When it comes to summer rainstorms you may immediately think of the safety needs of your aging parent in terms of fall risk or the dangers that can come with loss of power. What you may not think about is the safety and security of their home. The damage that heavy rain can do to a home can put your elderly loved one at serious risk, making it essential that you not only identify these possible risks but address them as soon as possible so that you can keep your loved one safer and healthier.

Use these tips to help ensure that your parent’s home are protected from summer rain as well as heavy rain during other times of the year:

• Check the gutters. One of the most common causes of damage related to rain. This happens when the gutters become clogged with debris such as leaves and branches, making it difficult or even impossible for the water to move through them efficiently and effectively. This can cause the water to pool in the gutters, making them extremely heavy and eventually leading to them sagging or even tearing off of the house. Check your parent’s gutters and ensure that they are clean and clear. If they are not, hire a professional to clean the out and consider having guards placed on them to prevent further buildup.
• Protect the foundation. Water can also cause serious damage to the foundation of your parent’s home. This occurs when the water pools around the foundation due to an inefficient downspout or problems with the landscaping. The next time it rains, go around the house to look for areas where the water is pooling and contact a professional to help you select the solution that is right for your parent’s home.
• Reduce indoor moisture. Too much moisture inside the house can also lead to serious problems for your parent’s home and your parent. Moisture can lead to growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungus, all of which can negatively impact your parent’s health and reduce the structural integrity of the home. Be sure that the windows and doors are all properly sealed to reduce the amount of moisture that gets into the home. Also consider using a dehumidifier on particularly rainy days to control the moisture in the air.

If you are concerned about your parent’s health and well-being during inclement weather, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting elderly care. When you are not available to be in the home with your aging parent, an elderly home care services provider can offer a valuable source of personalized care, support, and assistance tailored to your loved one’s individual needs, challenges, and limitations. This can help them to not only stay safer and healthier while they deal with weather changes and other challenges, but can also encourage them to stay more independent and live a more active and engaged lifestyle as they age in place.