Say goodbye to the consistently warm, dry days of fall. Colorado is famous for unpredictable snowstorms as early as October. Autumn also marks the start of the cold and flu season.When something unexpected happens – a home health aide can’t travel or the power goes out – be prepared with a backup plan to assure your parents stay healthy, warm and safe no matter what.
At Springbrooke, we have these resources in place. Do you?
1. Designate multiple emergency caregivers
Your parents may already have a home health aide, but what happens if the aide gets sick, needs to stay home with sick children or cannot travel due to slick roads? Have a system of backup caregivers in place that you can count on. That may mean you, your siblings or others who can put personal plans on hold to make sure your aging parents are safe. Don’t let a crisis for your parents turn into a crisis for you. Identify at least three resources who can step in at a moment’s notice.
2. Line up a snow removal service
Falls are common for seniors, especially during the winter months. Help your parents avoid a slippery trip to the mailbox on an icy walkway by contracting a snow removal resource close to your parents’ home. Instruct the service to automatically shovel when three inches or more of snow accumulates. Don’t wait until the snow starts to melt or refreezes into a sheet of ice. The service will likely get there faster than you will. After all, you’ll probably have to clear your own walks and driveway before checking on your parents!
3. Safeguard against service delays
Most big storms have ripple effects. Workers often cannot make it to their jobs or spend more time traveling on slick roads than expected. That means deliveries from pharmacists and grocery stores may be delayed. Home health aides may not make it in on time. Think about what you may need to do to fill in the gaps, like spending the night with your parents, making sure they always have stockpile of nutritious food and knowing how much of their medications they have on hand. Above all, encourage your parents not to drive until the streets are clear and dry! No trip to the store is worth risking a life-altering accident.
4. Prepare for power outages
When the power fails, it can get chilly inside within hours. Slip flashlights with fresh batteries into logical spots where your parents can access them quickly – a nightstand, kitchen drawer, bathroom cabinet, garage entry and service porch. Stockpile warm blankets, coats and hats in an easy-to-reach place. Buy a battery-powered radio and a cell phone. In case of prolonged outages, refrigerated foods will spoil. Keep a supply of non-perishable foods that can be eaten cold.
Are you ready for winter?
No doubt your parents have unique considerations surrounding cold weather, such as protecting vulnerable pipes from freezing. This checklist is a place to start for all families. Our independent living and assisted living apartments may be safer for your senior and more convenient for you. Bundle up and get ready for the flakes to fall – or contact Springbrooke about available apartment openings at 303.331.9963!- Cindy Burbach, Springbrooke Executive Director