After the Clocks Change: Autumn Safety Checks
This time of year can make small changes in confidence or independence more noticeable.
With the clocks now back and the evenings getting darker earlier, someone who usually feels comfortable going out may start staying in more. Poorer light can also make familiar routes around the home feel more difficult, especially for someone who is already a little unsteady on their feet.
For families, this can be a good time to look at if a few simple adjustments could make the darker months feel safer and easier to manage.
What can change when it gets dark earlier?
The change in daylight can affect more than we realise. Someone who usually goes out in the late afternoon may start staying at home instead. Wet leaves, darker paths and poorer visibility can also make familiar routes feel less comfortable.
Mood and routine can change too. Age UK explains that shorter days and colder, wetter weather can make it harder to get out and about, while some people may notice a change in mood during winter.
For people living with dementia, changes in daylight can also affect sleep and make it harder to tell the difference between morning and evening, according to Alzheimer's Society.
These changes will not affect everyone in the same way. The main thing is to notice if someone starts doing less, seems less confident or begins avoiding things they would normally enjoy.
Six simple things worth checking
There are a few practical things families and care teams can look at as the evenings get darker.
Start with the lighting around the home. Check hallways, stairs, entrances and the route between the bedroom and bathroom. Make sure lamps and switches are easy to reach.
It is also worth clearing the routes someone uses most often. Loose rugs, trailing wires, shoes and small pieces of furniture can be harder to see in lower light.
Keep a phone or personal alarm within easy reach too. NI Direct recommends carrying a mobile phone or wearing a personal alarm if someone is at risk of falling.
Where possible, plan outings earlier in the day. A walk or shopping trip that felt fine at 4pm during summer may now feel easier at lunchtime or earlier in the afternoon.
Keeping some movement in the day is important too. Regular activity can help with strength, balance and confidence, even if poorer weather means more time indoors.
And finally, pay attention to confidence. If someone suddenly stops going somewhere they usually enjoy, ask why. There may be a simple reason that can be worked around.
Take another look at lighting
Lighting is one of those things that is easy to stop noticing in your own home.
NI Direct lists low or unsuitable lighting among the factors that can contribute to falls. The Public Health Agency also recommends improving lighting and keeping walkways clear.
Have a look around the home when it starts getting dark....
Can the person clearly see the stairs?
Is there enough light on the way to the bathroom?
Is there a lamp close to their usual chair or bed?
Are outdoor steps and entrances easy to see?
Small changes like these can make moving around the home feel much easier.
Try to keep some activity in the week
One of the more subtle changes at this time of year is that people can start going out less.
Missing the odd walk because of bad weather is normal. But if it keeps happening, someone's usual routine can gradually become smaller.
The Public Health Agency says regular physical activity can help maintain strength, balance and confidence. Age UK also encourages people to stay connected, keep moving and continue doing things they enjoy during winter.
It could simply mean moving a regular walk to earlier in the day, arranging a family visit, going to the shops together or planning something enjoyable at home. The important thing is keeping some routine and company in the week.
Look out for changes in mood
Falls are not the only thing families may notice during the darker months.
Someone who already finds getting out difficult may spend even more time at home once the evenings draw in. You might notice a parent or relative turning down invitations more often, spending more time sitting alone or losing interest in things they would normally enjoy.
The NHS advises speaking to a GP if you think someone may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder, which is a form of depression linked to particular times of year.
Keeping some structure in the day can help too. Family visits, phone calls, daylight, regular movement and familiar activities can all make a difference.
How home care can help during darker evenings
Home care can provide extra support while helping someone keep as much of their usual routine and independence as possible.
For one person, that might mean an evening visit. Someone else may benefit from companionship, help getting out during daylight hours, support preparing a meal or simply having a familiar care assistant there who knows their normal routine.
That idea goes back to why Debbie founded Unique Home Care NI. After years working in care, she wanted to create a service where staff had enough time to get to know the person, rather than simply work through a list of tasks.
When a care assistant knows what is normal for someone, they are more likely to notice the smaller changes, such as someone going out less, seeming less confident in the evening or beginning to struggle with part of their usual routine.
Our home care services are built around each person's individual needs, routines and preferences. For people who need more day-to-day support while maintaining their independence, we also provide supported living services across Northern Ireland.
If a recent fall is already causing concern, you can also read our Home Care After a Fall: A Family Guide for practical advice on what families can do next.
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