October Check-In: Now That Routines Are Back, Have You Called Your Mom?
I’ve been in the home care field for over 23 years, and one thing I’ve learned is that stress doesn’t always show up in the loudest moments. Sometimes it sneaks in once the rush is over—when life feels “back to normal.”
That’s where we are now. The back-to-school scramble is behind us. Supply lists are complete, practices are underway, alarms are set, and routines are starting to feel stable again. But here’s the question I keep asking families:
Now that your rhythm has settled, have you called your mom?
Or your dad, your aunt, or the neighbor who’s become like family. It’s often in these calmer moments that older adults feel the absence most. Kids are in school, parents are back to juggling work, and seniors may be spending long days alone without anyone noticing.
For me, fall has always been a time to pause and reset. I like to sneak away to my hunting cabin near Little Falls, MN, where the quiet woods remind me how important it is to breathe, recharge, and reconnect. Caregivers need that same kind of margin—but many don’t give themselves permission to take it. That’s exactly where in-home care can step in.
The Sandwich Generation’s Fall Squeeze
If you’re in your 40s, and 50s, chances are you’re supporting both your children and your parents. reports that 54% of adults in their 40s are “sandwiched” between kids and aging parents.
By October, that reality has set in. The fall routine is humming along, but with it comes relentless pressure—school drop-offs, work projects, medical appointments, and daily caregiving. According to , many family caregivers provide 20 or more hours a week of unpaid care, which is basically another part-time job.
You’re not alone in this. The AARP estimates 53 million Americans are providing unpaid care right now. That’s one in five adults walking this road, often quietly.
Falls Don’t Wait for Winter
Last month, the National Council on Aging led Falls Prevention Awareness Week. But the truth is, preventing falls matters every month.
1 in 4 adults 65+ falls each year
A fall doubles the chance of falling again
In 2021, falls caused more than 38,000 deaths among older adults
These numbers are serious, but they’re also empowering—because falls can often be prevented. October is the perfect time to walk through your parents’ home and add simple protections: grab bars in the bathroom, secure rugs, night-lights in hallways, and supportive shoes. Just like kids need good shoes for gym class, older adults need the right support at home.
Loneliness Rises When Routines Settle
Here’s another risk that sneaks in: loneliness.
Once the fall calendar settles, seniors often spend more hours alone. The calls loneliness a serious public health risk, tied to dementia, depression, heart disease, and even early death.
That’s why small gestures—like a weekly phone call, a Sunday visit, or arranging consistent in-home companionship—make a bigger difference than most families realize. Loneliness isn’t just emotional. It’s a health issue.
Fall Health Reminders
October is also a smart time to stay ahead of seasonal health needs:
Vaccines: The CDC notes that up to 85% of flu-related deaths are among adults 65+. Flu season is approaching, so now is the time to schedule shots.
Medications: Shifts in meal, sleep, or activity routines can make medications less effective—or riskier. The CDC’s fall-prevention guidance recommends medication reviews to reduce dizziness and confusion that can cause falls.
What I Listen For on a Fall Check-In
When I check in with families, I don’t just ask, “How’s it going?” I listen for quiet red flags that point to bigger needs:
“I almost slipped” → A hidden fall risk
“I don’t sleep well” → Could signal pain, mood, or medication issues
“It feels harder to…” → Struggles with daily tasks like laundry, stairs, or cooking
“No one really stops by” → Signs of isolation or unsafe gaps in care
Most older adults won’t admit they’ve “fallen”—but they might mention a “close call.” That’s your sign to act.
Why Respite Care Matters This Month
By October, caregivers often tell me, “I’ll be fine—I just need to push through.” But constant strain doesn’t disappear—it builds.
The National Institute on Aging calls respite care essential because it gives caregivers a chance to recharge. Even a few hours of professional help each week means you can:
Attend a school game or concert
Run errands without stress
Rest, knowing your loved one is safe and cared for
When caregivers get relief, families are stronger—and seniors feel supported without feeling like a burden.
A Quick October Safety Sweep
This week, take 30 minutes to do a home safety check for your parent:
Lighting: Night-lights in halls and bathrooms
Floors: Remove clutter and secure rugs
Stairs: Test handrails
Bathrooms: Add grab bars and non-slip mats
Medications: Review schedules and refills
Shoes: Encourage safe, supportive footwear
The Lesson After 23 Years in Care
After 23 years in home care, here’s what I know: peace of mind rarely comes from big gestures. It comes from rhythms.
A Monday phone call. A caregiver visit midweek. A family dinner on Sundays. These steady check-ins protect dignity and keep everyone healthier.
That’s what I think about on quiet weekends at my cabin up near Little Falls—the importance of balance. Caregivers deserve that same breathing room. And older adults deserve to stay independent without being isolated.
So, if your shoulders just dropped reading this because you feel seen, take it as your cue: Call your mom. Check in on your dad. And if you need help building that rhythm, we’d be honored to walk with you.
Ready for a Kinder, Calmer Fall Season?
October doesn’t have to mean overwhelm. At InHom Senior Care, we step in with respite care and in-home support that adapts to your schedule. We help with daily routines, fall-prevention steps, companionship, medication reminders, and safe transportation—so your loved one stays safe and connected, and you can breathe easier.
Schedule a call with InHom Senior Care today. Let’s build a plan that supports your parents and gives you the margin you need to thrive this fall.
