By Pam Canty, Intake and Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan
The 2019 fall season is upon us with cooler temperatures, changing colors of leaves, animals gathering food for storage, and people letting go of the hustle and bustle of the hot weather. However, this is a critical time for the senior population. Fall marks the time to remind seniors of health and safety precautions. Seniors are particularly susceptible to serious and life-threatening infections. Comfort Keepers recommends seniors discuss vaccinations such as the flu vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine to prevent pneumonia, the shingles vaccine, and the tetanus diphtheria-pertussis vaccine with their doctor. Just a reminder, some of these vaccines can be received at your local county offices and some drug stores (Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS), usually at no cost.
Highlighted in Autumn Safety for Seniors are some safety tips seniors should consider this season as well: reduce fire risk, keep warm, and clear away leaves from the entrances and walkways to your home.
Lastly, just a reminder, if you know of a senior who lives alone in your neighborhood, please check on them. During fall and winter, a lot of seniors may not talk to anyone or have human contact for weeks. To help out a senior in your neighborhood, offer to rake their leaves, drop off a basket of fruit or baked goods and bottles of water, or shovel their snow. Enjoy the season changes and help take care or look out for seniors in your neighborhood!
Pam Canty is an Intake and Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan and has been a member of the Elder Law of Michigan team since 2005. As an Intake and Screening Coordinator, Pam helps seniors in Michigan apply for food assistance and other benefits.