How To Prepare For The Change Of Season
A safe home doesn’t just happen by accident. It takes regular attention and care. Seasonal changes bring different challenges, especially in fall and winter when shorter days, icy conditions, and holiday clutter can increase risks. Taking time each season to do a safety inspection helps prevent falls, accidents, and emergencies before they happen.
At Kore Cares, we know safety is the foundation of independence. Our team provides in-home support for seniors and individuals with disabilities, helping them stay safe, comfortable, and connected year-round. From personalized caregiving to nursing support, we make seasonal safety and daily living much more manageable.
Fall: Preparing for Colder Days
With fall comes cooler weather, wet leaves, and earlier sunsets, all of which can create new safety concerns inside and outside the home.
What to Inspect:
Entryways: Use non-slip rugs or mats inside doors to reduce the chance of falls from wet shoes.
Indoor lighting: Check lamps and light switches to ensure living areas, stairs, and hallways are well lit. (Kore Cares can connect clients with resources to change bulbs if needed.)
Clutter: Clear walkways, hallways, and stairs of clutter, cords, or loose rugs.
Medications: Organize prescriptions before cold and flu season ramps up. Our nursing services can set up medication boxes, and caregivers provide reminders to stay on schedule.
Outdoor safety resources: While we don’t rake leaves or shovel snow, we can help families connect with reliable companies to handle seasonal yard work and snow removal.
How Kore Cares Helps: Our caregivers can assist with decluttering, housekeeping, and organization to reduce fall risks. Nursing staff provide medication setup, and caregivers give gentle reminders, so nothing is missed.
Winter: Cold Weather Safety
Winter often brings the greatest safety challenges. Snow, ice, and long stretches of indoor time can increase the risk of falls and accidents.
What to Inspect:
Walkways and driveways: Make sure there’s a snow removal plan in place with a trusted provider. Icy sidewalks are one of the biggest fall risks in winter.
Indoor mobility: Check that hallways and stairs are free of obstacles and have sturdy handrails.
Emergency preparedness: Keep flashlights, blankets, and an emergency contact list accessible in case of power outages or storms.
Home organization: Make sure essentials—like medications, warm clothing, and frequently used items—are easy to reach without climbing or stretching.
Carbon monoxide & smoke detectors: Test alarms and replace batteries to stay safe during increased heating appliance use.
How Kore Cares Helps
Our caregivers support seniors with decluttering, light housekeeping, and home organization to reduce fall risks. Nursing staff provide medication setup, while caregivers offer daily reminders to keep everything on schedule and stress-free. We also encourage healthy routines and offer companionship that makes each day feel safe and structured. Families gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones have dependable Sioux Falls caregivers by their side.
Support during the fall may include:
Light housekeeping and organization to reduce tripping hazards
Medication setup and reminders to stay on schedule
Assistance with seasonal home adjustments, like switching to warmer bedding
Companionship and conversation to reduce isolation during shorter days
Year-Round Essentials
Even outside of fall and winter, some safety checks should always remain part of the routine:
Keep pathways inside the home clear of clutter and cords.
Store medications safely and dispose of expired ones.
Keep important phone numbers and emergency contacts in an easy-to-find location.
Make sure everyday items are accessible without climbing on stools or bending too low.
Medical Alert Devices: Extra Peace of Mind
In addition to seasonal safety checks, having a medical alert device in the home can provide an added layer of security. These devices connect clients directly to emergency help at the push of a button, giving families peace of mind that their loved one is never truly alone.
At Kore Cares, we offer medical alert systems tailored to each client’s needs. Whether worn as a pendant or wristband, these devices ensure that if a fall, accident, or sudden health issue occurs, assistance is only a button press away. Our team can also help families set up and understand how the system works, making it easy to integrate into daily routines.
Why Seasonal Safety Matters
Home safety is about more than just comfort—it’s about confidence and independence. For seniors and those with health challenges, small adjustments can prevent big accidents. Seasonal safety checks ensure that risks are caught early and homes stay welcoming year-round.
At Kore Cares, our team specializes in helping clients live safely at home. From organizing medications to assisting with light housekeeping, coordinating outside resources, and providing medical alert devices, we’re here to help with the details that make a big difference. Every season, our goal remains the same: helping clients and families feel secure at home.
Take the Next Step Toward Safer Living
If you’re looking for trusted home care services in the Eastern South Dakota area, Kore Cares is here to help. Our caregivers and nursing staff provide personalized assistance designed to keep seniors safe, comfortable, and independent at home.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and see how our team can make a positive difference in your loved one’s daily life. For more details about our full range of caregiving options, please visit our services page. Call 1-888-546-0704 to get started.