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Protecting Seniors from Winter Slips and Falls

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

It’s no secret that slips and falls are especially dangerous for seniors. According to the CDC, nearly three million American seniors suffer falls every year. Perhaps more importantly, the rate of seniors who lose their lives to unintentional falls is climbing year after year. Protecting Seniors from Winter Slips & Falls
For those of us who live in ice and snow country, there’s no more dangerous time of the year for slips and falls than during winter. So, whether you’re an older American worried about falling during the winter or a younger person concerned for the health of an older relative, it’s important to prevent slips and falls during the coldest months. Protecting Seniors from Winter Slips & Falls
Here are some of the best strategies for protecting seniors against winter slips and falls…

Shovel Snowy Walkways

Snow can represent a fall hazard during winter on its own, but it becomes even more dangerous when it masks the ground underneath. With enough snow, it can be easy to forget where your porch step starts and ends, or where certain everyday tripping risks are found. Remember that shoveling itself can represent a fall risk, so if necessary, have a friend, a relative, or a professional perform the task.

Salt and/or Sand Icy Surfaces

The biggest culprit for slips and falls during winter is ice. Even the most able-bodied among us are prone to find ourselves turned upside down by ice — even when we know it’s there. Pouring sand over ice can help give the surface more traction. Salt does the same and eats holes into the ice’s surface to break up slick surfaces. As with shoveling, salting and sanding can be a risky activity, so have someone lend a hand if need be.

Wear Proper Footwear

Proper winter boots aren’t just there to keep our feet warm. High-quality boots with winter-ready treads will provide superior grip compared to other footwear, helping lower the chance of a winter slip or fall for seniors. Wear good winter boots when walking outdoors during winter and make sure to check treads for signs of wear that might make them less effective.

Stop Indoor Puddles

Snowmelt can quickly turn into dangerous indoor puddles. Avoid this problem by installing winter mats, storing boots and winter wear in an area that traps snowmelt, and by immediately cleaning up any puddles that occur.

Turn to a Helping Hand

Having a steady hand can make all the difference when navigating snow and ice during winter. Even a short walk from the front door to the driveway can be made safer with the help of a sure-footed friend or family member.

Practice Year-Round Fall Prevention

Even though winter is the most risky time of year for slips and falls, that doesn’t mean the risk doesn’t exist during warmer months. It’s important to practice fall-prevention year-round, taking steps like keeping risky areas well-lit, maintaining leg strength and balance, and trusting your body and instincts. By taking these precautions at all times, you’ll be far better prepared when the snow and ice hits.
Visiting Angels home care providers assist seniors with a range of care needs, including fall prevention during the winter months. Call your local office today to get started with an in-home consultation for you or a loved one.

Protecting Seniors from Winter Slips & Falls

Protecting Seniors from Winter Slips & Falls Protecting Seniors from Winter Slips & Falls Protecting Seniors from Winter Slips & Falls Protecting Seniors from Winter Slips & Falls Protecting Seniors from Winter Slips & Falls Protecting Seniors from Winter Slips & Falls

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Rise Above the Fear of Falling
Health Tips

Rise Above the Fear of Falling

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Even when our bodies are at our strongest, the impact of a fall can be quite severe. For elderly people whose bodies have lost strength and whose balance is less than exemplary, falling is a serious risk and can have massive consequences. Indeed, one-third of elderly people will suffer at least one fall every year, but amazingly, fewer than half of these will notify their doctor. Also, an elderly adult who suffers a fall is twice as likely to fall again. Rise Above the Fear of Falling
 
Rise Above the Fear of Falling
Irish company Home Healthcare Adaptations created this infographic which outlines common causes of falls in elderly people, as well as the lasting effects that can occur. When an elderly person falls, it’s very unlikely that they’ll simply say ‘Ouch’ and pick themselves up again with ease. It is far more probable that they will suffer broken bones or reduced mobility – and that’s if they’re fortunate. In some cases, it can result in a serious head injury or even prove to be fatal.
An elderly person might understandably be nervous about falling, but the best way to overcome this fear is to meet it head-on and try out a simple chair rise exercise, as described in the infographic below. This will help to greatly improve balance and ease the person’s fears. Although it is important to urge elderly people to exercise caution, we shouldn’t scaremonger, as this could plant a giant seed of self-doubt in their mind.
We can also help by following a few simple safety guidelines such as keeping floors clear of trip hazards and pull rugs, plus installing grab rails and bannisters where they may be needed. These straightforward modifications could make all the difference in helping an elderly person to avoid a fall. Rise Above the Fear of Falling

Rise Above the Fear of Falling

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