Winter Safety

We’ve had a taste of winter weather, and there’s surely more to come. To help prepare, here are several tips to keep in mind during the chilly months ahead.

• Keep leaves cleared, as they can become slick when wet and also hide trip hazards.
• Similarly, make arrangements for snow removal. Keep walkways clear and avoid icy or snowy paths by working with a professional snow removal service or neighborhood children seeking extra spending money. (Remember, as stated in our Service Agreement, SHC Caregivers are not permitted to shovel snow.)
• Spread salt to prevent slipping (and keep a sufficient supply on hand). It’s also helpful to carry a small supply of salt in your car or bag when you’re on the go.
• Ensure adequate lighting on walkways and driveways. Winter brings gray days and dark nights. Use a flashlight when needed.
• Keep an extra stock of necessities, such as food and medications. Follow weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
• Prepare your car. Winter conditions are tough on cars.
  • Replace worn-out windshield wipers.
  • Check tire pressure.
  • Keep an eye on fluid levels and inspect for weak belts and hoses.
  • Don’t let your gas run low.
  • Keep an ice scraper in your car for frosty windshields.

• Wear well-fitting shoes and boots with non-slip soles.
• Wear gloves and keep your hands free for balance and using railings.
• Allow extra time to reach your destinations. Walk slowly, carefully, and keep your eyes on the path ahead. If snow or sleet has fallen, be prepared to scrape your windows and expect slow driving conditions.

There’s no surefire way to prevent falling, but these easy-to-follow tips lessen the risk. Proper planning will help you stay ahead of winter conditions.

Community Outreach

We are honored to partner with KVC Missouri this holiday season as a supporter of their Holiday Hero program — an initiative that helps bring gifts and hope to children and teens in foster care, in residential programs, or receiving mental-health services. By donating gifts, gift cards, or monetary support, our team is helping make sure every child served by KVC feels remembered and valued, especially during a time when small gestures mean so much. This year, our contributions join those of others across the community to help fill wish-lists, spread joy, and remind these young people that they’re not alone — and for us, being part of Holiday Heroes is a powerful way to share our values of compassion and community commitment. Thanks to the generosity of the SHC team, we were able to fulfill the wishlists of two teens. (Pictured to the right is Megan and Kelly with Christmas goodies for our adopted teens.) Thank you to everyone who participated!

Seniors Home Care was proud to take part once again in the Webster Groves Senior Roundtable, joining community partners dedicated to supporting older adults in our area. This year’s holiday project focused on providing donated gifts and essential items to seniors in the Webster Groves area who may be spending the season alone. Thanks to the generosity of fellow businesses and supporters in the area we were able to help brighten the holidays for those who need it most and reinforce our commitment to compassion and community. 

Get to Know…Jill Kesselring, BSW

Jill is the newest member of the SHC Team. As an experienced Social Worker, she provides case management services, which involve conducting assessments, planning, referral coordinating, consultation and advocacy assistance to meet the needs of the individuals we serve. Jill is a wonderful client and caregiver resource, and we’re thrilled to have her on the team!

Fun facts about Jill:

• Has two boys – one goes to the University of Iowa and the other attends the University of Southern Illinois at Carbondale.
• Enjoys the treasure hunt of thrift shopping.
• Loves crafting.
• Has a dog named Macy, who is half Lab and half Great Pyrenees.
• Loves board games but refuses to play Monopoly.

Smart Rehab

From time to time, we like to share information about other resources and partners in the home care field. This month, we’re highlighting a fellow family-owned company dedicated to serving St. Louis seniors.

Smart Rehab was launched in 2017 by Kevin and Theresa Finlay to meet the growing need for in-home therapy services for older adults.

Theresa is a licensed physical therapist who felt called to serve older adults. Kevin holds a degree in occupational therapy and brings years of experience in healthcare leadership. Together, they built a model that places the client and the therapist at the center of care. 

Smart Rehab brings quality outpatient physical and occupational therapy services to your home. Licensed therapists specialize in helping older adults regain strength, balance, and independence through 60-minute, one-on-one therapy sessions. Whether it is improving balance and mobility, managing joint pain or chronic conditions, or simply maintaining independence, their therapists can help.

Their therapist will perform an evaluation and tailor a treatment plan to target your specific needs so that you can remain strong, independent, and safe in your home.

To learn more, visit www.thesmartrehab.com or contact them at 314-447-8511.

Help SHC’s Loaner Car Program

We’re still looking to add vehicles to our loaner car fleet. We have found that one way to better support our caregivers and serve our clients is through our Loaner Car Program, which allows us to quickly provide a temporary vehicle to a caregiver when theirs is unavailable. This helps to continue consistency of care.

If you happen to have an older car or SUV that is not being used, we would like the opportunity to purchase it from you. It doesn’t have to be perfect – just safe, reliable, and able to get from point A to point B.

If you have a vehicle you would consider selling, please contact Ryan Whittington directly at 314-962-2666 or [email protected]. He’d be happy to discuss the details and make the process simple and straightforward.

Testimonial

The caregivers really involve her in planning her day and they will provide feedback and tips that help us to keep her independent.
-Beth D.