In Florida, we don’t have a traditional autumn or winter, but there are still steps seniors should take to prep for the season.

Fall Proof Your Home

  • Family members are very busy during the holidays. If you expect to be spending time alone or expect an elderly loved one to spend time alone, it’s time for an updated safety check of the house. Fall risks increase as we age. Utilizing our Home Safety Checklist helps seniors, family members, and caregivers create a safe environment that reduces the chances of fall or injury. Wether you’re 65 or 85, home safety can keep seniors out of the hospital.

Get Your Flu Shot

  • The CDC says people 65 years and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu compared with young, healthy adults because human immune defenses become weaker with age. While flu seasons can vary in severity, during most seasons, people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of severe flu disease. It’s important for seniors to protect themselves against infection. The best way to protect against flu and its potentially serious complications is with a CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year by the end of October.

Organize The Medicine Cabinet

  • Medication management is critical. Mismanaging meds can lead to illness or even death. If you do not have home care, autumn is an excellent time to throw out expired medications and utilize our Medication Chart to keep current medications in order. If you utilize home care, feel free to ask us about any risks you should be aware of for your or a loved one’s medications.

Check Batteries

  • When was the last time you checked your carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries? Do you know when an elderly loved one last checked theirs? Autumn is the perfect time to ensure your loved one is safe for the upcoming holiday season. While Florida doesn’t experience winters we see up north, an elderly loved one might feel compelled to turn up temps indoors. Make sure your elderly loved one is prepped for cooler weather.

Prep For Cool Weather

  • While we don’t expect any snow storms or power outages, seniors will feel the effects of cooler weather more than younger individuals. Autumn is a good time to make sure your loved one has a good jacket, shoes, hats, and gloves. In the event your loved one’s power goes out for any reason, make sure they have the proper gear to stay warm.

Keep your head up this autumn. Be proactive in safety AND staying engaged with family or social activities.