Autumn Safety for Seniors

Senior Safety  |  August 26, 2021

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About Safety During the Autumn Season

Autumn Safety for Seniors | The shift from summer to fall has much to offer. The scorching heat begins to dissipate, the leaves begin to change color, and we prepare for the holiday season. However, like with all other seasonal transitions, there is a cost, and with the beneficial changes come some health and safety risks. Seniors are especially vulnerable at this time of year. Seniors’ well-being and independence might be jeopardized by colder temperatures, influenza, and even fallen leaves.

Seniors can stay safe and enjoy everything Fall offers by following these suggestions and best practices. 

Autumn Safety for Seniors

• Get the influenza vaccine: While the flu may not be as harmful to younger people’s health, seniors are more susceptible to flu complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Serious sickness, hospitalization, and even death can ensue from these consequences. Furthermore, the flu might exacerbate pre-existing diseases. Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad, and Flublok Quadrivalent are among the vaccines to consider, but it’s crucial to speak with a physician or other healthcare professional about the best selection.
• Reduce the risk of influenza: It’s best to take other precautions to reduce the risk of the flu in addition to vaccination:
  • Avoid coming into contact with sick people.
  • Throughout the day, wash hands with warm water and soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Disinfect surfaces that are likely to be polluted on a regular basis.
  • Regular exercise can help to boost your immune system (with physician approval)
• Reduce fire risk: As the temperature drops, it’s common to turn to space heaters or fireplaces to keep warm. Seniors should keep flammable things out of reach of these types of devices. It’s also crucial to check that fire extinguishers are in good working order and that smoke detector batteries are updated.
• Keep warm: While we’re on the subject of falling temps, it’s critical for elders to stay warm. Even while October does not have the same harsh weather as winter, there is still a real danger. Hypothermia can develop fast after being exposed to relatively mild cold temperatures, according to the National Institutes of Health. Seniors should only leave the house if absolutely required. It’s critical to dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing when they do.
• Clear away the leaves: While beautiful to look at, fallen leaves can easily lead elders to slip and fall. They need to be raked off the driveway and walkways. This is especially crucial when the rain has made them slick and mushy.

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, post-surgery care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria Can Help with Autumn Safety for Seniors

Comfort Keepers®’s trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. Learn more about our unique service which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is proud to provide home care throughout Victoria that keeps seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. 

Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures are examined by industry experts against a set of quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada.

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