Before long, we will be saying farewell to the warm weather and welcoming the cold days of winter here in Knoxville and surrounding areas. As we transition to frigid temperatures, now is a great time to consider what we can do to ensure our senior family members and friends in Maryville, Clinton, or Loudon are ready for the season. Here, we will offer a guide to minimizing slips and falls around their home, ensuring they remain safe this winter.
Home Maintenance
Fall is a perfect time to ready their home for colder months. Here's a checklist of things to consider to keep your loved ones safe from slips and falls:
- Clean gutters. Ensure the drains are free from debris and ensure they remain leaf-free through the fall into winter. Keeping gutters in good working order minimizes the chances of water collecting on walkways and freezing into ice.
- Trim trees and cut plants back. Tidying up plants in the yard ensures they don't become hazards as snow and ice weigh them down.
- Turn off outdoor faucets. Flush the lines to remove any water that can freeze and burst the pipe. Insulate water lines to prevent any issues. Winterized pipes eliminate the possibility of water creating a risk around the home. Even though we don't experience the cold here in the Maryville area like other parts of the country, even one night of freezing temperatures can cause an issue.
Home Improvement
In addition to the seasonal maintenance, improving a few things around the home can help reduce the risk of slips and falls for our seniors, particularly in colder months.
- Lighting. Improving outdoor lighting may help prevent wintertime slips and falls. Daylight here in the Clinton area is in short supply in winter. Illuminating walkways and patios will contribute to a safe path. Consider lighting that comes on at dusk and goes off with the morning light to maximize safety.
- Non-slip treads on stairs. Steps are hazardous for our seniors in perfect weather. Consider adding treading to stairs to combat slippery footing during periods of rain or snow.
- Non-slip mats. Adding non-slip mats on a deck or patio in high-traffic areas is easy to combat falls, particularly in wet weather.
- Handrails. If the stairways lack railings, it is the perfect time to install them before the winter weather arrives. Make sure they can handle the weight of a person leaning on them. Installation might require a professional.
- Table for supplies. Consider getting a small table to hold needed items, making them easy to reach. For those icy or snow-covered walkways, have a container of kitty litter or salt that is easy to sprinkle onto the path. Having the material at waist height makes it easy for our senior family members to reach.
Winter Safety
- Non-slip support. Help our seniors be as sure-footed as possible on wet and icy walkways by ensuring they have suitable footwear with non-skid soles. If they walk with the assistance of a cane or walker, add rubber footings to make them less susceptible to slipping.
- Give Help. Our senior family members in Loudon may not ask for help, but we can help them by insisting on running errands or taking them to appointments when the outdoors may be hazardous. They will be appreciative, and it will keep them safely indoors.
- Ensure their home is safe too. Keeping them protected while in their home includes having a carbon monoxide detector, working smoke alarms, and adequate lighting to account for the sun setting early in winter.
- For more information on how to keep our seniors safe in the winter, go to this tip sheet.
With some preparation now, you can assure your seniors in your life that they will be safe from slips and falls through the winter months in Knoxville, Maryville, Clinton, Loudon, and surrounding areas. Check out this blog for ideas on winter activities. Senior Helpers of Greater Knoxville is here to help you care for your senior family members; contact us today to learn more.