Autumn is a great time of year with mother nature creating the most amazing colour palette. It also brings darker nights and colder weather as it prepares us for winter.

Autumn is therefore a great time to get our homes ready for winter, particularly the homes of our older residents.

SureCare Central Cheshire wants the people it supports to get fresh air all throughout the year and be as independent as possible, but also wants them to be safe from the risk of trips, slips and falls.

This is why SureCare has created this autumn checklist, allowing carers and families of clients to make sure the outdoor areas of people's homes are safe and do not cause a hazard for the people living there.

This is a short summary of some of the outdoor areas to check:

1. Front door – is access level and safe?
2. Steps – are steps slip free and easy to see?
3. Lighting – is the area near your path and door well lit?
4. Paths – are they safe and free from clutter?
5. Locks – are doors easy to open but with secure locks?
6. Keys – has someone reliable got a spare key?
7. Post – can you pick up letters and deliveries easily?
8. Bins – can you get to your bins safely and put them out for collection?
9. Gutters – are they clear of leaves and not overflowing?
10. Roof – do you have loose or damaged roof tiles?
11. Water – are outdoor pipes and taps weather proofed?
12. Windows – are they sealed well and not causing a draft

If you would like a copy of SureCare's full autumn checklist, which includes both indoor and outdoor areas to check to prepare for a safe and warm winter, along with safety tips, contact the friendly SureCare team on 01270 667288 or email [email protected].

When going through the checklist you may find some maintenance jobs that need to be completed by a professional, always source a reputable organisation or tradesperson and don't agree to any work from anyone knocking at your door.

Director and joint owner at SureCare Central Cheshire, Tina, said: "Autumn is a great time of year for all of us to do these checks ahead of winter as the winter weather can bring lots of hazards in and around our homes.

"It's also nice to check on our neighbours that may need some assistance to clear their paths and steps. A little preparation can make a big difference this autumn."

SureCare Central Cheshire is an award winning, locally based, home care company.

They provide a range of services from assisting to get up or go to bed, medication administration, meal preparation and exercising to companionship, accompanying to appointments and taking out on day trips and holidays.

As well as more specialised support such as dementia care, catheter care, stoma support and PEG feeds.

To accompany their visiting care calls SureCare Central Cheshire also provide night care or live-in care across South Cheshire, supporting individuals to remain independent, safe and well in their own homes.

For more information about SureCare Central Cheshire and its services, visit the website, contact 01270 667288 or email [email protected].

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