Tips for Preventing Falls in Seniors During Winter
The winter season is synonymous with joy, festivities, and cozy nights indoors. However, it can be a very challenging time for the seniors as they are at an increased risk of illness and falls in winter. In fact, the sickness caused due to the cold climate can also contribute to falls in seniors. That is why assisted living communities take extra care to prevent falls in seniors during winter. Below are some tips that you can also follow to help your elderly loved one stay safe and healthy in winter.
Make Sure That Your Loved One Wears Shoes That Have Good Traction
Cold weather can create icy surfaces in your home, which can be a fall hazard for seniors. This is especially the case for the driveway, sidewalk, and parking lot. Therefore, make certain that your elderly parent or grandparent wears shoes with rough-textured soles that are the right fit and feel comfortable, particularly when going out. If they are accustomed to using a cane or walker, you can place rubber tips on them to ensure that they grip the ground better.
Improve the Lighting Conditions in Your Elderly Loved One’s Home
Adequate lighting is imperative for older adults to stay safe and prevent falls. As winter days have less natural sunlight entering the home, you should install some extra lights in your senior’s home to ensure that they can properly see where they are walking and avoid any chances of stumbling and tripping over something in their path. You can also add more contrast to the areas that have poor lighting, like painting the walls with a lighter color when the floors are dark.
Install Safety Attachments in the Bathrooms and around the Staircase
Seniors are at a greater risk of falling in the bathroom during winter because of the slippery surfaces. This can be very dangerous if they are living alone. Installing handrails and other safety attachments in the bathrooms will allow them to walk in and out of the bathroom safely and avoid the risk of falls. Likewise, common areas like the dining room and stairs should also have proper safety attachments to ensure that your senior loved one can walk around the house safely.
Keep an Eye on the Water Intake of Your Senior
Dehydration is not just a thing of summer; seniors can experience dehydration problems in winter as well. Inadequate intake of water during cold months can make older adults feel weary, while it can also lead to dizziness and falls. Therefore, you should make sure that your elderly loved one drinks plenty of water during winter just like in summer. You can swap the fruit juices and cold drinks with hot beverages and flavorful teas to keep your senior replenished with enough fluids.