Autumn Safety Check List offered by FirstLight Home Care

When leaves begin to change color and bright summer suns become a memory, older adults are faced with a new set of challenges. Wendy Adlerstein, LSW of FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston has helped put together an Autumn Safety Check List so you make sure aging parents, grandparents and other seniors in your life are protected.

Maintain Heat

– Reduce risk of hypothermia by making sure older adults’ homes are insulated, stocked up on heating fuel and have functioning HVAC systems. If their fireplace isn’t going to be used, close the flue so that heat won’t escape.

Address Fire Hazards

– Electric blankets and space heaters can help keep up older adults’ body heat, but they also pose a fire risk. Make sure these devices are working properly and are not showing wear on their cords or other electric components. Consider investing in a modern space heater that turns off when it gets too hot or tips over. Power-strips with timers are a potential solution for these devices as well.

Eliminate Debris

– Leaves, sticks and other Autumn refuse in walkways and other frequently traveled areas can result in slips and tripping. Keep the property safe and aesthetically pleasing at the same time by racking it or removing debris with a leaf blower.

Fight the Flu

– Catching the flu can have serious consequences for seniors. Vaccination is the best line of defense against influenza.  You should also encourage older adults to avoid those who are already sick, wash their hands and keep surfaces clean with disinfectant. They can also improve their immune system with improved diet and exercise.

Breathe Easy

– Maintain proper home ventilation by removing debris from vents. You should also test carbon monoxide detectors and replace their batteries.

About FirstLight Home Care

Wendy Adlerstein, LSW, who has more than 20 years of experience in working with seniors. She holds a B.A. from Clark University, in Psychology with a concentration in Sociology and Human Services. In addition to her Massachusetts License in Social Work, Wendy holds a Certificate in Gerontology from the Worcester Consortium Gerontology Program.

She is a member of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA), formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. Finally, Wendy is a Certified Dementia Practitioner® in good standing from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.

FirstLight Home Care is a leading provider of non-medical home care, helping individuals in more than 30 states achieve the quality of life they deserve. The company has set a new standard in home care by creating an unmatched Culture of Care that drives industry-leading client and employee satisfaction. FirstLight is a lifeline not only for seniors, but for people recovering from illness, injury or surgery; adults with disabilities; and anyone over the age of 18 who needs extra assistance. Care can be provided at private residences, as well as independent and assisted living communities.

For additional information, please contact FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston, (781) 559-0220, https://www.firstlighthomecare.com/home-healthcare-west-suburban-boston/contact/.