A note emailed earlier today to our clients, their families and our caregivers.

I am writing because  we may/may not have our first winter storm in eastern Massachusetts, Sunday night into Monday. Who can say? This is after all, New England!

But this is a perfect time to review plans for clearing driveways, steps and walkways of snow and ice at your loved one's/our client's homes.  Everyone wants to prevent falls due to snow and ice, and to keep people from being trapped inside the house -- or outside unable to get in!

Do you have a plow service set up? How about someone to shovel the sidewalks? Is there sand and de-icer stationed both inside and outside the doors? A small shovel and/or broom near the door?

To review what our caregivers are able to do to help: if we are on site during the storm, we keep the egress to/from the house open as much as possible so that in an emergency, safe exit can be made.  Or emergency personnel can get into the house if needed.  If CCC is there during a large storm, we ask caregivers to sweep, sand and salt doorways, walkways and stairs regularly so no heavy shoveling is needed -- unless it is too dangerous to be outside.  We are unable to do heavy snow clearing on walking areas, or to clear the driveway.

Families need to make arrangements with a service to keep the driveway plowed and the walks and stairs clear.  It's important that your service know when our caregivers would need to come and go, so that we can serve you without interruption or delay.  These service are used to such requests -- and if not, they're maybe not the right one for you!  They are also open to being phoned by caregivers in anticipation of arrival/departure, and are generally able to make a pass beforehand so things go smooth and safe.  Please let our caregiver(s) know the contact info for your service.

In the event of an expected severe storm that might make roads impassable, we would work to position caregivers where they are needed most before the roads become dangerous, and keep them there until they can safely leave.  This might mean getting them to the client's home before usual, or having them stay later.  We would consult with families about this whenever we anticipate this could happen.

All that aside: have a warm, safe, wonderful, healthy and peaceful holiday, with many blessings to you and your family!