Fall is a wonderful time to get outdoors and enjoy nature before the bitter cold of winter. While the conditions are not as extreme as the winter, you should take steps to ensure your aging loved one’s home is safe for the upcoming colder weather. Here are our tips on how to do just that:
Heat: Keep the temperature consistently warm. Call a technician to ensure that your heating system still works properly, and if you have a fireplace or chimney, have it cleaned to prevent fires. Lastly, seal all areas where drafts occur to maximize energy savings.
Windows: Make sure that the windows in the house open and close easily so that your loved one can have fresh air throughout the house on the warmer days of fall.
Leaves: Keep the outdoor stairs and walkways clear of leaves. Large piles and wet leaves make it easy for an elderly person to slip and fall. Regularly check the drain pipes to make sure they don’t get clogged with leaves.
Clothing: The Fall in the northeast usually has large temperature fluctuations. To make things easy on your loved one, keep both warm and light clothing out so they can dress appropriately. Layering pieces like a sweater are perfect!
Home Care: If your loved one is starting to slow down, you should look into a home aide to take care of your loved one. They can work around your schedule and provide as little or as much support as you need.
At Home With Van Dyk can relieve the stress and reduce the time it takes to manage everything on your own. We will put customized home health care solutions in place to best serve your family’s unique needs.