The winter can bring amazing scenery, but rain, ice, sleet, and snow may make it difficult to get around, especially on foot. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 1 million people are hospitalized in the U.S. every year from weather-related falls and slips, with seniors being the most affected.
When the ground gets icy and slippery, it only takes someone just a second of inattentiveness to fall and sustain injuries. The problem is that once seniors get these types of injuries for the first time, they become more prone to subsequent falls and injuries. The good news is that these winter-related slips and falls can be reduced or avoided. Don't let the weather get the best of your loved ones! The following tips can help keep them safe season long and beyond.
6 Home Improvements to Prevent Seniors from Slips and Falls This Winter
During winter, the outdoors and the house floors may get wet, creating additional fall hazards. You can make the following home improvements to reduce the risk of seniors' falls:
- Cut the clutter
The easiest and most effective way to prevent elderly loved ones from falling is to keep their environment tidy. Concentrate on hazardous areas like stairways and pathways to ensure their shoes don't get stuck while moving around. Regularly wipe wet floors and clear throw rugs from the walkways.
- Ensure frequently used items are within reach
Keep commonly used items like drinking glasses, medications, keys, the remote, and eyeglasses in the lower cabinets or easily accessible places. Before leaving the house, consider the items you can move to lower spots to prevent seniors from using step stools or overreaching on slippery floors.
- Install sturdy rails or support of staircases
People over 65 often require physical support when ascending or descending raised platforms. Ensure these staircases are of a good width to allow gripping and have railings with no gaps, loose screws, or wiggles. Even a two-step staircase should be protected with rails to support them in case they feel unsteady.
- Wear shoes while indoors
Socks or slippers may be comfortable indoors, but they may present a slipping risk to seniors. Ensure they wear correctly fitted shoes or non-slip socks with grips on the soles to provide adequate support.
- Brighten the lights
Dim lights are one of the major fall hazards to seniors. To create a comfortable environment that is easy to navigate, install bright bulbs where necessary, particularly on the narrow hallways and staircases. Add night lights in the bathrooms and bedrooms for better illumination and guidance at night.
- Make the slipperiest spots non-slip
Bathrooms, porches, kitchens, bathtubs, and showers can be extremely dangerous for seniors because they frequently get wet. Add non-slip mats to these surfaces and grab bars to provide extra support.
How Can Senior Helpers Palo Alto Help?
Do you know of seniors requiring any in-home support services in Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Menlo Park, and their neighborhoods? At Senior Helpers Palo Alto, we provide a comprehensive suite of services and programs to ensure your loved ones are aging in place. We pride ourselves on providing the best quality of life to our senior clients and families by offering affordable, customizable, and dependable care. Get in touch with us to help us help your elderly loved ones.