Autumn Checklist for Home Safety

Autumn is a beautiful season in Colorado, but cooler temperatures, shorter days, falling leaves, and early snow can create new safety concerns around the home. For older adults, especially those living alone or experiencing mobility challenges, a few preventive steps can make a meaningful difference.

Use this autumn checklist to help prepare your loved one’s home for a safer and more comfortable season.

Prevent Falls Inside the Home

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults age 65 and older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 14 million older adults—approximately one in four—report falling each year. Fortunately, many falls can be prevented.

Walk through the home and look for seasonal hazards:

• Remove loose rugs or secure them with nonslip backing.
• Keep electrical cords away from walking areas.
• Make sure hallways, stairs, bathrooms, and entryways are well-lit.
• Replace burned-out lightbulbs and consider motion-activated nightlights.
• Install secure handrails on both sides of stairways when possible.
• Add grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or bathtub.
• Keep commonly used items within easy reach to reduce climbing or bending.

Autumn is also a good time to check shoes and slippers. Footwear should fit properly and have nonslip soles. Bulky socks or loose slippers can increase the risk of tripping.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

As temperatures drop, families begin using furnaces, fireplaces, and portable heaters more frequently. Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm in the home and replace batteries when needed. Alarms should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.

Have the home’s heating system inspected by a qualified professional before it is used regularly. Chimneys and fireplaces should also be checked and cleaned as needed. Never use an oven or outdoor grill to heat the home, and avoid placing portable heaters near bedding, curtains, furniture, or other combustible materials.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends practicing fire and carbon monoxide safety throughout the fall and winter heating seasons.

Prepare Entrances and Outdoor Walkways

Wet leaves can be nearly as slippery as ice. Keep porches, steps, sidewalks, and driveways clear of leaves and other debris. Repair uneven pavement, loose handrails, and damaged steps before freezing weather arrives.

Make sure exterior lights are working, especially near entrances, garages, and pathways. Because darkness arrives earlier in autumn, good outdoor lighting becomes increasingly important.

In the Denver area, snow and ice can arrive well before winter officially begins. Keep ice melt, a sturdy shovel, and other snow-removal supplies in an accessible location. If your loved one should not shovel snow, arrange help with a family member, neighbor, caregiver, or snow-removal company in advance.

Review Medications and Health Needs

Seasonal changes are a good reminder to review medications, medical appointments, and emergency information. Make sure prescriptions are current and that medication instructions are easy to understand.

Some medications may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in balance. A physician or pharmacist can review medications and identify possible side effects or interactions. Do not stop or change a medication without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

Create or update a clearly marked emergency information sheet that includes:

• Current medications
• Medical conditions and allergies
• Physicians’ contact information
• Emergency contacts
• Preferred hospital
• Health insurance information

Keep a copy in an easy-to-find location and share it with trusted family members or caregivers.

Get Ready for Cold Weather and Power Outages

Before cold weather arrives, check windows and doors for drafts and confirm that the thermostat is working properly. Make sure warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, and extra batteries are easy to reach.

Prepare a basic emergency supply kit with water, shelf-stable food, necessary medications, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and a way to charge a cellphone. FEMA also recommends creating a family communication plan and signing up for local emergency alerts.

If an older adult relies on electrically powered medical equipment, develop a backup plan with the equipment provider and healthcare team before an outage occurs.

Clean Up the Kitchen and Living Areas

Autumn often means more cooking, baking, and time spent indoors. Keep flammable materials away from the stove, and never leave cooking unattended. Check appliance cords for damage and avoid overloading electrical outlets.

Remove stacks of newspapers, boxes, or other clutter that could obstruct walking areas or exits. Frequently used chairs should be stable, easy to get in and out of, and positioned so the person does not need to reach too far for a lamp, telephone, or drink.

Create a Plan for Regular Check-Ins

Home safety is not only about equipment and repairs. Regular human contact can help identify problems before they become emergencies.

Create a dependable schedule for family members, neighbors, friends, or professional caregivers to check in. These visits can help ensure that the home remains safe, meals are available, medications are remembered, and changes in mobility or behavior are noticed.

A Safer Autumn Starts with a Simple Walk-Through

A thoughtful autumn safety check can help an older adult remain comfortable, confident, and independent at home. Start with one room or one item at a time—the important thing is to begin before colder weather arrives.

If your family could benefit from companionship, personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, errands, or additional support at home, please contact Touching Hearts at Home South Metro. Our experienced team serves families throughout the Denver metro area, with flexible care ranging from regularly scheduled visits to 24/7 coverage. We would be happy to learn more about your family’s needs and discuss how we can help your loved one remain safe and supported at home.