Fall Safety Tips for Seniors: Preparing Your Home for the Season Ahead

September brings the beginning of a new season to Northwest Arkansas. Temperatures start becoming more comfortable, days gradually get shorter, and before long we'll see fall colors returning to the Ozarks.

For families with an aging parent or loved one, it's also a good time to take another look around the home.

Small changes in lighting, walkways and everyday routines can sometimes make a big difference in helping an older adult remain safe and comfortable at home.

Here are a few things families in Fayetteville, Springdale and throughout Northwest Arkansas may want to check as we head into fall.

1. Take a Walk Around the Outside of the Home

Start at the driveway or sidewalk and follow the route your loved one normally takes into the house.

Look for uneven pavement, loose steps, damaged handrails or other potential tripping hazards.

As leaves begin falling later in the season, remember that wet leaves can make porches, sidewalks and steps slippery.

Outdoor lighting is worth checking, too. With daylight hours getting shorter, a walkway that was easy to navigate during summer may be much darker by early evening.

2. Check the Lighting Inside

Good lighting can become increasingly important as we age.

Walk through the home and look for dim hallways, staircases and frequently traveled paths between rooms.

Pay particular attention to the route between the bedroom and bathroom. A nightlight or other appropriate lighting can make nighttime trips easier to navigate.

This is also a convenient time to replace burned-out bulbs and make sure lamps and light switches are easy to reach.

3. Look for Fall Hazards Around the Home

Falls can happen in familiar places.

Loose rugs, electrical cords, cluttered walkways and small pieces of furniture can all create obstacles.

Try walking through the home while thinking about how your parent moves from room to room. Is there a clear path? Is there something sturdy nearby when they need support?

The bathroom deserves particular attention because wet surfaces can become slippery. Families may want to evaluate whether commonly used areas of the home remain appropriate for their loved one's current mobility.

4. Get Ready for Cooler Northwest Arkansas Weather

Anyone who has lived in Northwest Arkansas for long knows our weather can change quickly.

A warm afternoon can eventually give way to a surprisingly chilly evening.

Before colder temperatures arrive, make sure heating equipment is working properly and frequently used blankets and warmer clothing are easy to reach.

It's also a good opportunity to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors according to their manufacturers' instructions.

5. Make Everyday Items Easier to Reach

Take a look at where commonly used items are stored.

If your parent regularly climbs onto a stool or reaches overhead for dishes, food or household supplies, consider moving those items to a more accessible location.

Frequently used items should generally be easy to reach without unnecessary stretching, bending or climbing.

A little reorganizing now can make everyday routines easier throughout the year.

6. Prepare for Seasonal Illness

Fall also means the beginning of another cold and flu season.

Encourage regular handwashing and good everyday hygiene, and help your loved one keep track of upcoming medical appointments.

Questions about vaccinations or individual health concerns should always be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Families can also use this time to make sure emergency contact information and important phone numbers are current and easy to find.

7. Pay Attention to Changes During Your Visits

Seasonal home preparation isn't only about checking the house.

It's also an opportunity to spend some time with your loved one and notice whether anything has changed.

Is preparing a meal becoming more difficult?

Is laundry beginning to accumulate?

Has your parent stopped participating in activities they normally enjoy?

Do everyday household tasks seem to require more effort?

One change doesn't necessarily mean an older adult needs professional care. However, several small changes can sometimes indicate that a little additional support would be helpful.

Helping Seniors Remain Comfortable at Home

For many older adults, home represents independence, familiarity and years of memories.

When everyday activities become more challenging, in-home care can provide additional support while allowing an aging loved one to continue enjoying those familiar surroundings.

Depending on an individual's needs, that support might include companion care, personal care, respite care or assistance with everyday routines around the home.

The goal isn't to take over someone's life. It's to provide the appropriate level of help so they can continue participating in it.

In-Home Care in Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas

BrightStar Care of Fayetteville is proud to support seniors and families in Fayetteville, Springdale and communities throughout Washington County and Northwest Arkansas.

As we welcome another beautiful fall in the Ozarks, it's a great time to check in on the older adults in our lives, enjoy some time together and make sure home continues to be a comfortable place to be.

Sometimes a few small changes—and an extra helping hand when it's needed—can make all the difference.