There’s something about September that feels like a second chance at a fresh start. The back-to-school buzz, cooler air, and return to routine make it the perfect time to hit “reset,” and that goes for seniors, too.
After a long summer that may have thrown off healthy habits, fall is a great time for older adults and their families to check in, regroup, and make sure all the essentials for wellness, safety, and quality of life are in place. Whether your aging loved one is thriving at home or starting to need more support, this simple checklist can help guide the way.
Below are eight quick and practical ways to help the seniors in your life feel their best this fall, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Review Medications
Make sure all prescriptions are current, organized, and being taken as directed. Ask your loved one’s doctor about potential side effects or interactions. Keep medications stored properly and ensure your loved one is familiar with when and how to take their medications.
Book a Seasonal Health Checkup
A fall checkup is a great time to address new concerns, review medications, and get a seasonal flu vaccine before the flu season begins. Schedule an appointment with your loved one’s primary care physician. If all is well, be sure that your loved one at least gets their flu vaccine at a local pharmacy.
Declutter Walkways and Rugs
Clearing out summer clutter and securing loose rugs can prevent dangerous falls at home. Take an afternoon to walk through your loved one’s home with fall prevention safety in mind and take the necessary steps to ensure all pathways are clear.
Revisit Emergency Contacts
Double-check that emergency numbers are up-to-date and easily accessible. Update your loved one’s medical ID on their smartphone and print emergency contact numbers to display in your loved one’s home.
Check Hearing and Vision
If your loved one wears glasses or hearing aids and it’s been a while since they’ve been looked at, schedule a quick tune-up. Proper prescription glasses and working hearing aids help improve their safety.
Restock the Pantry with Nutrient-Rich Foods
As the seasons change, now is a great time to toss expired foods and restock with nutrient-rich foods. Think hearty soups, seasonal produce, and easy-to-make meals that support energy levels and immunity.
Get Moving
If the summer heat has left your loved one less active than usual, help them get moving as temperatures become more bearable. A daily walk, stretch, or balance exercises can help them maintain strength and reduce their fall risk. A few minutes a day of movement can make a difference.
Schedule Social Time
September usually means busier schedules. Your loved one mustn’t become more isolated now that everyone has returned to their fall routines. Encourage your loved one to schedule social time. Whether it’s lunch with friends, a faith-based group, or a phone call with the grandkids, social interaction is important for mental wellness.
Thinking Ahead? We’re Here When You’re Ready.
Maybe after going through this checklist, you realize your loved one is doing great, and that’s wonderful. But maybe it also reveals a different truth. The house feels too big, too quiet, or too difficult to maintain. Daily tasks aren’t as easy as they used to be. Maybe it’s time to make that move you’ve been putting off.
At Senior Living Solutions, we help families find the right place, not just any place. Whether it’s independent living with a little more support, a cozy assisted living community, or memory care with dignity and compassion, we help seniors transition into their next chapter with confidence and care.
Let us take the overwhelm off your plate. We’ll walk you through your options and help you find a community that fits your loved one’s needs, now and for the road ahead. Ready to talk? Please contact us today by calling 501-650-3013.