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There are lots of wonderful events and activities to enjoy as we transition from summer to fall. It’s the beginning of the holiday season, the weather is cooling down, and the leaves are beginning to change colours. Changes that are generally positive also pose certain risks to the health and safety of seniors. As with any other time of year, several changes must be made to ensure safety for elders.
Senior citizens in particular are more vulnerable at this time of year. The health and independence of elderly loved ones can be seriously endangered by the presence of influenza, cooler temperatures, and even fallen leaves.
By following some basic safety precautions and guidelines, seniors can enjoy the fall season without putting their health and safety at risk. Keep loved ones healthy and safe by using these fall safety tips for seniors.
Autumn Safety Tip #1: Keep the yard tidy
When autumn comes, it’s impossible to avoid the leaves falling to the ground, which can make roads, sidewalks, and other walking areas very dangerous for older people. Rake up the leaves and any other accumulated debris with care to reduce the risk of falling in these areas. A live-in caregiver can rake for the senior in their care.
Adding handrails and treads designed to prevent slipping on stairs is another way to reduce the risk of injury. If you’re an older person who still takes care of your own yard, it’s important to remember to warm up with some stretches and use your legs when you bend or pick up things to avoid getting hurt.
Autumn Safety Tip #2: Wear warm clothing
Before we know it, the first chill of the season will be upon us. During the winter, it’s crucial to have socks, warm hats, gloves, comfy house shoes, long-sleeved shirts, thick pants, coats, and sweaters on hand. If any of the items listed above are missing, a live-in caregiver can purchase them. In the event that the senior’s car encounters a breakdown or any other type of emergency when it is out in the cold, it is advised that you keep some of these warm items of clothing inside. It is the responsibility of a live-in caregiver offering home care services in ontario to handle this.
Autumn Safety Tip #3: Invest in shoes that are resistant to slipping and water
It would be wise to invest money in a pair of shoes that are waterproof and slip-resistant. They are useful for walking on slippery leaves as well as on ice-covered walkways and sidewalks. They can also prevent falls caused by poor lighting, water, or other trip hazards. A live-in caregiver would be familiar with these fall safety tips for seniors and suggest that families allocate money for quality shoes.
Autumn Safety Tip #4: Reduce the spread of disease
The probability of getting sick rises with the arrival of cooler weather. If you want to stay healthy, especially as you get older, it’s crucial that you keep your immune system in good shape. Take preventative measures against disease by taking supplements like vitamin C and zinc, washing your hands frequently (especially after handling money or being in a public location), and getting the flu and/or COVID-19 vaccines. When you’re sick, you should stay home, cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze, and wear a mask.
Autumn Safety Tip #5: Make sure you get enough rest and exercise
Regular physical exercise and adequate sleep are crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system and avoiding illness during the fall and winter. Finding exercises you enjoy performing inside is essential because we will be spending more time inside than usual. Yoga and Essentrics are just two examples of the many fitness video formats available online that are geared towards a mature audience.
You can go for a stroll on the treadmill if you have one. If it’s freezing outdoors, you can dress warmly and take a walk in the open air. Indoor pools are common in community and senior centres, where they are used for water aerobics and other age-specific exercises. Compared to other workouts, these are less strenuous on the joints. Regular physical activity will help you sleep better. Numerous advantages of regular exercise and getting adequate sleep include better balance and fall prevention, quicker healing and repair, and the development of strong muscles and healthy joints.
Autumn Safety Tip #6: Stay on top of your automobile upkeep
When the weather is bad, maintaining your car could help you steer clear of various hazardous situations. Maintenance procedures like changing the oil and rotating the tires are wise places to start when getting your car ready for the fall. Additionally, you should check the air pressure in the tires, top off any low fluids, and make sure all of the exterior lights are working. Now is also a good time to make sure the heater and air conditioner are working properly. A live-in caregiver may contact a mechanic or carry out these inspections on their own.
Autumn Safety Tip #7: Maintain your home
Make sure that your chimney, fireplace, and other heating appliances (such as your heating unit and furnace) are all in working order. Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and do routine maintenance on them. It has been found that seniors who experience falls are more likely to have inadequate lighting, thus it’s critical to change any dull or burned-out light bulbs. Stock up on batteries, lightbulbs, and candles in case of a power outage.
Autumn Safety Tip #8: Never leave candles unattended
If you want to fully experience autumn, take caution and never leave a candle burning unattended. It almost doesn’t feel like fall without burning a pumpkin spice candle. Typically, during the winter months, there is an increase in the incidence of house fires brought on by improper candle use. Burning candles should be put out before you go to bed and kept away from areas where there is a lot of foot traffic and animal activity.
Autumn Safety Tip #9: Consider a PERS gadget
A PERS device is a personal emergency response system, also referred to as a medical alert device. These can be worn on a belt clip, worn around the neck, or hung in an easily accessible location of the house. They fit in a handbag or pocketbook and are not only small but also water-resistant. After a fall or other accident, all it takes is a press of a button to contact your loved ones, friends, or even 911. Your life or the lives of those you care about could be saved by a PERS device.
Autumn Safety Tip #10: Don’t forget Daylight Savings Time
The sun will set much earlier than it has done over the course of the summer, and the days will get shorter. Keep this in mind when making plans for the evening that involve driving. Do an eye test on your elderly loved one to see if they can still see well enough to drive safely at night.
Want to learn more?
Please reach out to us at wecare@considracare.com, or call us at 1-855-410-7971, and we will be happy to help you arrange care for a loved one.
Maryam is a leading writer at ConsidraCare, specializing in senior care. Her well-researched articles are widely recognized for guiding families through the complexities of caring for loved ones, establishing her as a trusted and authoritative voice in the field.
