Winter Safety Starts Now: 11 Steps to Prevent Senior Falls
It is easy to slip and fall in icy and snowy winter conditions. This is particularly problematic for the elderly who often have less stability on their feet and struggle more to recover from a fall.
Fortunately, we can take steps to prevent winter falls by following these safety guidelines (and helping our elderly loved ones do the same).
1. Make sure steps (and ramps) that lead to the house are stable and have sturdy railings.
2. Wear well-fitting shoes and boots with non-slip soles. Footwear should have enough sole to provide better traction on snow and ice. If you plan to wear dress shoes or heels, take them with you and change when you arrive.
3. Seniors who use a cane You must replace the rubber tip before it wears down smoothly. They can also try using an ice pick-like accessory that attaches to the end of the cane to help prevent falls. These can be found at most medical supply stores.
4. Keep hallways clear. Arrange for someone to shovel the driveway and walkways. Don’t risk a fall, call a professional, or recruit neighborhood kids in hopes of making a little money.
5. Keep a good supply of melted ice and shovel for easy spreading. It is good practice to keep a small container of road salt in your bag and car to spray on icy areas while you are out and about.
6. Avoid here or the snowy sidewalks. Only use walkways that are dry and have been cleared. Beware of black ice, which is just as slippery as regular ice, but difficult to see, making it a major winter safety concern.
7. Install timer lights outside. This is a good idea for year-round safety and fall prevention, but it’s especially helpful in the winter when it gets dark earlier and there are new (and often hard to spot) fall hazards.
8. Make winter safety a priority. Please allow additional time to reach your destination safely. Avoid shortcuts through snowy or icy areas. Walk slowly and carefully, keeping your eyes on the road ahead.
9. Don’t let your guard down. Fall hazards don’t go away once you’re out of the cold. Be careful inside driveways, where slippery puddles often form due to snow and sleet collecting inside. Many falls also occur while exiting or entering vehicles. Always take care to jog when getting in and out of cars.
10 wear gloves instead of putting your hands in your pockets. Keeping your hands free improves balance and allows you to hold onto railings.
eleven Make use of home care.You don’t have to be sick to take advantage of home care resources. Use available resources to help senior residents with chores and errands so they can stay warm and safe in their own home.
Unfortunately, falls cannot be completely prevented and many people (of all ages) will end up having a stroke before the season is over. Therefore, it is also important to be prepared to react appropriately in the event of a fall. Seniors should carry a cell phone (and know how to use it), even if it’s just for emergencies.
It’s also important for older people to see a doctor after every fall, even if they don’t suspect an injury. A hairline fracture or other injury could get worse without treatment.
Acting now helps prevent senior falls, as well as future problems, and ensures older loved ones remain safe and independent for the long term. Proper planning now will help ensure that everyone has a cozy winter.