By Pati Bedwell, Elder Care Coordinator
Autumn is a wonderful time of the year. The weather is getting a little cooler (but not too cold) and the air is a little crisper. I guess that’s why it’s known as the “season of change.”
Keeping in mind that winter is just around the corner, here are a few things you might want to do:
Schedule pre-winter maintenance on the heating system of the home so you are assured it will function correctly when it’s needed.
Check smoke detectors, change batteries as needed. If you don’t have a schedule for that already, perhaps this is a good time to start.
Autumn is a good time to check in with your elder’s primary care physician too. Flu season is coming so you may want to talk with the doctor about a flu and/or Covid vaccine. If there’s any annual testing that’s needed, try scheduling that before the weather turns too cold.
Towards the end of the season, caregivers are the stars of November because November is National Family Caregiver month. First recognized by presidential proclamation in 1997, it is a time to recognize family caregivers for the tremendous amount of work they do for their elderly loved ones. This year’s theme is Care Around the Clock because, as it says, care happens 24/7.
Caregiver Action Network is an organization that provides free education, resources, and support for caregivers. Check out their website here. Click on the Family Caregiver Toolbox and you’ll find all sorts of helpful stuff.
If there’s someone you know who is a full-time caregiver, please take the opportunity to thank them for what they do. Acknowledge the work and the support they provide to their loved one. Caregiving is a difficult job, it’s all-consuming, and often doesn’t end after 8 hours so, please take some time to thank them, to show them you see what they do. Flowers never hurt either.
If you have any questions about caring for elderly loved ones, please give our office a call at (615) 824-2571.
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