Today Marks the Change of Season
Today, September 22, is the autumnal equinox — the official first day of fall. As daylight hours shorten and routines shift, it’s a natural moment to walk through a home with an eye toward the months ahead.
Lighting Matters More As Days Get Shorter
Shorter days mean more time spent in dim light, especially in the early morning and evening. Check that entryways, hallways, and stairs are well lit, and consider motion-sensor lights for spots that are easy to forget, like a garage or back porch.
Prepare for Wet and Falling Leaves
Wet leaves on a porch or walkway are as slippery as ice and often go unnoticed until someone’s already down. Regularly clearing walkways, and adding non-slip mats near entrances, is a small habit that prevents a serious fall.
Check Heating Systems Before You Need Them
Before temperatures drop, it’s worth having a furnace or heating system inspected, testing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and replacing batteries if it’s been a while. These are easy to postpone until the first cold snap — better to handle them now.
Revisit the Medicine Cabinet
Seasonal changes are also a natural prompt to review a medication list with a nurse or pharmacist, especially if flu season or seasonal allergies mean new over-the-counter medications are being added to the mix.
A Good Excuse for a Check-In
Whatever else changes with the season, a seasonal home safety walkthrough is a simple, low-pressure way to catch small hazards before they become a bigger problem. Our nurses and therapists are glad to help with exactly that.
Want a nurse or therapist to walk through a home safety check before winter?
For questions, or to talk through what home health could look like for your family, call our local intake line at (512) 551-9159 or toll-free at (800) 670-9370, email [email protected], or visit kinesishomehealth.com.