September is winding down and October is right around the corner. Do you have things in line for your healthcare and living situation before the winter months set in? While it is still nice weather, it is a good time to get all your healthcare and living arrangements in order before the difficulties of winter.

Here is a checklist for you to prepare for Winter while the weather is still nice.

1. Get your Flu Shot before the end of October

There are many conflicting opinions on the flu shot, but it can be very helpful for your loved one if they are over 65 years of age. If you have a history of heart or lung disease, it is not only very beneficial, but also highly recommended that you get the flu shot. What many forget is if you get the flu after you have had the flu shot, the symptoms are usually not as severe. If you are over 65, there is also a pneumonia vaccine that is readily available to help you avoid pneumonia. 

1. Medicare Open Enrollment Opens October 15th Deadline is December 7th

Even though it is time consuming and a bit overwhelming, you should take time to review your Medicaid Options. The window opens October 15 and you have until December 7th to get everything reviewed, updated or changed. 

During this open enrollment period you can switch from the original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or visa versa. You can also update Medicare Parts. Pay attention to Part A which involves hospital and hospice care and some skilled nursing services post hospitalization. Also, pay attention to Part B which involves doctor visits and outpatient services. Remember Part C is the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D involves prescription drug payments. Does that sound like a lot? It is and it would be good to have someone who is familiar with Medicaid to help you navigate the process. 

1. Prepare for the Inclement Weather Ahead

Remember when you are in the fall season, winter is just around the corner. You should make sure you adjust your wardrobe for cooler weather. You do not have to pack away the summer shirts quite yet, but have some sweaters out and ready to help you transition into winter. Also have proper footwear to make your walking around comfortable and safe.

1. Beware of Falling Leaves that Get Wet and Slippery 

It is very beautiful to enjoy the changing leaves of fall, but remember when falling leaves get wet they get slippery. Take your time when walking through leaves that cover sidewalks and streets. Also, piles of leaves can sometimes hide potential dangers that are not visible. You would hate to miss a step in a sidewalk or off a porch because you could not see it. 

1. Take Advantage of Fall Harvest

Some of the healthiest comfort food comes from the fall harvest. Adding apples, zucchini, eggplant, cranberries, sweet potatoes, squash and other fruits and vegetables of fall harvest can help you maintain a healthy diet and add to your immunity. There are many tasty fruits and vegetables that help vary your diet and keep you on a healthy track.

1. Check your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

When fall arrives, it is a great time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure you change the batteries so they are new and in working order before the winter months hit. Test them and make certain they work with new batteries. If not, it is time to purchase some new ones before the winter comes.

1. Make Sure to Check Heating System in your Home

It is always a good idea to check your heating system before you crank up the heat on that first cold night. Make sure things are in working order and it is clean. Also, change the filter if needed. If you have a fireplace, make sure to have it properly cleaned by experts so you are ready for a cozy fire come winter time.

These are several items you can take care of while the weather is still fit and you can get out and about. Senior Living Options can help you get your loved one enjoy the fall season while preparing for the winter months. Call Ann and she will help you navigate the next steps in caring for your aging loved one.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.