Winter Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors

By Kayla Orange

"Oh the weather outside is frightful...!" Amidst the beauty and splendor of the first snow of the season also lies a risk of dangerous falls. According to the CDC, more than one in four older Americans (aged 65+) will endure an accidental fall this year, resulting in serious injury or death. Winter snow, ice, sleet and freezing rain increase the probability of falling by at least 20%. Additionally, a decrease of natural daylight once daylight savings time ends in early November increases the risk of falling even more.  

As scary and serious as these stats are, planning ahead and following these practical tips can help prevent falls during the winter months.

Pay Attention to Surroundings

Before heading out during or after periods of winter weather, pay very close attention to your surroundings. Keep an eye out for ice, puddles, and other slick surfaces. It is also important to keep driveways and walkways clear of debris. If you encounter an object in your path, walk around it if possible, but do not try to pick it up by yourself. Instead, have someone pick it up for you or assist you with removing it to ensure that you don't tumble while bending down.

By approaching all surfaces as though they are slick and asking for assistance when walking up or down stairs, at night, or anytime you're unsure of your balance, you can avert accidental falls. Most importantly, be sure to:

·      Plan ahead to avoid rushing or moving too quickly

·      Keep driveways and walkways clear

·      When in doubt, ask for assistance

Wear Sensible Shoes

Choosing the appropriate shoes for walking in dimly-lit or slippery areas can also help decrease the risk of falling. When walking outdoors in the winter, it's important to wear boots or shoes with rubber soles for good traction.

Comfortable shoes that fit properly and don't have slick soles are a good choice for walking around indoors. Slippers should only be worn to keep feet warm. Even as tempting as it may be, you should avoid walking around in slippers. The same is true for stockings and socks, which can easily trigger slipping and falling.

Remove Home Hazards

Rugs, furniture within or near high-traffic areas, and general household clutter can be potential hazards should you happen to trip over them. To eliminate the risk of tripping, unnecessary objects of this nature should be removed.

Again, this is a task that someone should assist you with, especially if you are planning to move heavy furniture or if you'll be bending or stooping. While removing unnecessary clutter, have your assistant check for loose floorboards and stair treads to prevent dangerous accidents. Once you've identified potential hazards, make plans to schedule any necessary repairs immediately.

Light Up Your Living Space

Keeping your home brightly lit is an excellent way to help avoid tripping over household items that can be hard to see. Battery-operated, stick-up lights can be conveniently installed in bathrooms, hallways, stairways, or any other area inside your home to provide additional lighting. These lights are inexpensive and can be purchased in most department and home improvement stores. Each light has an adhesive backing, so installation merely requires sticking the lights to an appropriate surface.

Royal Care Home Care Services

Preventing falls, especially during the winter months, can be achieved with relative ease by implementing these basic, pragmatic tips. In addition, having a dedicated family member or friend available to help you execute these tasks will further decrease your chances of suffering an accidental fall. When in doubt, ask for help and stay safe!

Do you or someone you know need elder care services? Learn more about the professional services Royal Care offers by visiting us today at: https://www.royalcare.nyc/contact.