With cooler temperatures and shorter days now firmly setting in, preparing your home for autumn should be priority number one for elderly individuals living alone. Creating a safe and comfortable living environment is particularly important for older adults during this season, as the risk of falls, illness and isolation can increase.
Whether you or a loved one is ageing in place, the following practical tips will help you to prepare your home for the autumn months, keeping safety and comfort first and foremost in mind.
A step-by-step guide to preparing your home for Autumn
Putting safety first is always vital for ongoing peace of mind, but during the colder, wetter seasons, it is even more crucial. Here are our top tips for making the interior and exterior areas of your house safer during this time.
Tip #1. Fall-proof the home
New research has revealed that falls from standing height are the leading cause of major injury among those aged 65 and above, and the vast majority of such accidents occur at home. Autumn can exacerbate this risk with wetter conditions and darker evenings, meaning extra efforts should be made during these months to fall-proof the living space. This can be achieved by:
Ensuring adequate lighting
As daylight hours diminish, it’s crucial to ensure that the home is well-lit, particularly in hallways, along staircases, and in bathrooms. Consider using nightlights or motion-sensor lighting to improve visibility during nighttime hours.
Securing handrails and grab bars
Installing handrails along steps and stairs, both inside and outside, as well as grab bars in the bathroom and near the shower, provides seniors with added stability when moving around.
Eliminating trip hazards
Remove or secure loose rugs, mats and clutter that could lead to tripping. Additionally, use non-slip flooring in high-risk areas like the kitchen and bathroom to reduce the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.
Tip #2. Inspect heating systems
With temperatures dropping, it’s essential to ensure that the home’s heating system is in good working order. This involves scheduling a service for boilers, radiators and other heating devices before the cold weather sets in.
Older adults are more susceptible to cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia, so maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature is critical.
Sealing drafts is another vital step. Drafts from doors and windows can cause the home to lose heat. Use weather stripping, draft excluders or heavier curtains to help retain warmth in the home and lower heating costs.
Checking carbon monoxide detectors is a final step not to be missed. Autumn often brings increased use of heating appliances, and it’s crucial to check that carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly to prevent dangerous exposure to this odourless gas.
Tip #3. Prepare for wet weather
Autumn often means rain, and wet conditions can make outdoor areas hazardous. To prevent slips and falls, ensure that walkways, driveways and entrance areas are well-maintained and safe. To do this:
- Use outdoor mats and non-slip surfaces: Place sturdy, non-slip mats at entrances to prevent wet shoes from causing slips indoors. Ensure that outdoor steps or ramps have non-slip strips.
- Clear pathways: Fallen leaves can be slippery and hazardous, so it is crucial to regularly clear walkways of debris to prevent falls. Consider hiring help for outdoor maintenance if needed.
Tip #4. Stay safe with seasonal decorations
While it can be enjoyable to decorate the home for the autumn season, take care to avoid potential hazards when doing so.
Safe decorating practices:
- Ensure that any decorations, such as pumpkins or autumn-themed items, do not obstruct walkways or create tripping hazards.
- Use flame-free candles or battery-operated lights for a safer alternative to traditional candles.
What other precautions should older adults take during the colder months?
Aside from transforming the home into a safe zone, there are other areas of an older individual’s daily life that should be taken into consideration when autumn comes around.
Stay active and engaged
Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for seniors no matter the season, to preserve mobility, balance and strength. As outdoor conditions become less inviting, finding ways to stay active indoors becomes even more important.
Indoor exercise
Encourage regular stretching or light exercise routines that can be done at home to maintain mobility. Simple activities like yoga, chair exercises or walking indoors can make a big difference in overall health.
Community engagement
With longer nights and cooler weather, seniors may feel more isolated during autumn. Staying connected with family, friends or local groups through phone calls, video chats or scheduled visits can help combat feelings of loneliness.
Monitor health and medications
As temperatures drop, certain health conditions can worsen, such as arthritis or respiratory issues. Being vigilant about health and medication management is key to staying well during the autumn months. This means:
- Staying on top of medication management: With the potential for changing routines, it’s vital to ensure that medications are taken on time and as prescribed. Use pill organisers or set reminders to help with this task.
- Ensuring vaccinations and health checks are up to date: Autumn is the start of flu season, so it’s a good time for elderly individuals to get their flu vaccinations. Regular health check-ups, particularly for chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes, can also help keep potential issues in check.
Prepare for emergencies
In autumn, unexpected storms or power outages can occur. It’s wise to have a plan in place to ensure seniors are prepared for any emergencies that may arise.
- Put together an emergency kit that includes basic supplies such as bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, flashlights, extra batteries and medications.
- Ensure that emergency contact numbers are easily accessible.
- In the event of a power outage, consider having a safe backup heating solution – such as extra blankets or a portable heater with battery power – available to keep the home warm.
Maintain good nutrition and stay hydrated
Staying well-nourished and hydrated is important, especially as older adults may feel less inclined to drink water during cooler months.
If you are looking after an elderly loved one, encourage drinking water throughout the day, even when they’re not feeling particularly thirsty. Hydration helps maintain overall health, supports circulation, and improves energy levels.
Offer warm, hearty meals like soups, stews and teas, which not only provide comfort but can also help keep the body warm during the colder autumn months.
Ensure your elderly loved ones are looked after all year round with our home help services
The team at Blanchardstown and Inner City Home Care has been providing high-quality, personalised care for over 21 years, supporting seniors and individuals with specific needs in the Dublin 1, Dublin 7 and Dublin 15 areas.
Our approach focuses on more than just completing tasks; we prioritise the comfort, independence and safety of each service user in their home. With a highly trained team that is Garda-vetted and fully insured, we offer trusted, professional care – not just during the colder months, but all year round – ensuring peace of mind for both clients and their families.
Get in touch today to see how we can help you or your elderly loved one continue to thrive in your own home.
