ComForCare: Transitioning Home Safety From Summer to Fall

As the high heat of summer begins to wind down, it’s the perfect time for home care agencies, independent caregivers, and families to do a “wrap-up” safety check. The transition from late summer into early autumn presents unique risk including sudden late-season heatwaves to prepare the home for cooler, darker days.

Here are four areas to think about:

1. Wardrobe & Temperature Comfort

• The Layering Strategy: Swap out flimsy summer clothes for easily manageable
  layers that they can take off or put on independently.
• The “First Freeze” HVAC Test: Turn on the home heating system now just to
  make sure it works. You don’t want to discover a broken furnace on the first
  freezing night of the year when technicians are heavily booked.

2. Preventing Falls in Changing Light

• Light Up the Evenings: As it gets dark earlier make sure to put on lights sooner
• Clear the Summer Clutter: Remove floor fans, extension cords, or summer
  decor that may have accumulated in high-traffic walkways over the sunny
  months.
• Check Outdoor Walkways: Make sure they are clear of items that could lead to
  falls.

3. Hydration & Nutrition Adjustments

• The “Visible Water” Rule: Keep a favorite insulated tumbler filled with water or
  herbal tea within arm’s reach of their favorite chair.
• Transition to Warmer Comforts: If they lose interest in cold water, transition to warm broths, decaf teas, or light soups to keep their fluid intake high.

4. Health & Wellness Prep

• Schedule Wellness Vaccine Visits: Reach out to their primary care physician or
  local pharmacy to schedule their annual flu shot and any updated boosters
  before the autumn rush.
• Check Expiration Dates: Look through the medicine cabinet. Toss out any
  medications or supplements that expired over the summer, or any liquids that
  may have been ruined by sitting in a hot room.

ComForCare Home Care Central San Jose can support you completing these items.