Home Improvements: How to Prevent Slips and Falls from Rain, Snow, and Ice This Winter

Rain, snow, and ice during winter increase the risk of slips and falls among elderly loved ones. Seeing as most people aged 65 and above have mobility issues, rain, snow, and ice during winter make navigating even harder for them. Luckily, you can make some home improvements to ensure their safety during this period. Here are expert home improvement tips from Senior Helpers to prevent slips and falls among senior citizens.

Invest In Proper Footwear

Winter is characterized by slippery surfaces, and this can worsen balance issues in elderly loved ones and cause slips and falls, which may result in serious injuries. To prevent this, invest in proper footwear. Senior's shoes are well-treaded with a rubber sole that not only prevents skids and falls but also keeps the feet warm while walking around the house.

Enhance Lighting

Elderly loved ones often have visual problems; therefore, their caregivers should improve the lighting at home during winter to prevent them from tripping over things. This is especially needed in areas such as bathrooms and stairways.

Use Absorbent and Anti-Slip Mats

Absorbent and anti-slip mats come in handy for walkway and doorway areas throughout the home. They absorb the water from the rain and ice during winter, reducing slips and falls. Also, keep common walk areas clean and dry at all times during the winter season.

Check For Trip Hazards Around the Home

Trip and slip hazards include potholes or cracks around the home. Check for these and have them repaired before winter. Additionally, clutter, such as trailing electrical cords, toys, and boxes, can lead to fall accidents. They should also be cleared to leave enough space around to accommodate walkers and canes.

Install Mobility Aids

Mobility aids such as grab bars and safety poles are essential when fall-proofing an elderly loved one's home. They help seniors maintain balance and stability when navigating wet and slippery surfaces during winter.

Plan For Ice and Snow Removal

You should also schedule for ice and snow around the home. This can be done with the help of other family members or by engaging professionals. For indoor ice, you can use a floor fan to keep walk paths and floors dry.

Spread Sand or Salt

Spreading sand or salt on the walkway lowers the freezing point of the water, reducing the amount of ice to declutter and providing traction. This makes it easy and safe for seniors to move around.

Add Non-Slip Tape

Non-slip tapes have a textured upper surface that makes them slip-resistant. Add them on the floor to prevent elderly loved ones from skidding on wet surfaces.

Stair Treads

Stair treads on both outdoor and indoor stairs prevent fall accidents during winter. They are made from slip-resistant and stain-free material.

Clear Fallen Tree Branches Around the Home During Winter

Winter storms and rain may break weak tree branches. These branches are safety hazards that may trip seniors and cause injuries. If there are trees around your home, clear any fallen branches immediately after they fall.

Senior Helpers of Burnsville Can Help

Slips and falls can be serious health hazards to our elderly loved ones. Therefore, home improvements before and during winter are important to ensure their safety. However, caution should be exercised when improving the home; consult an expert if you cannot make the changes on your own.

Senior Helpers of Burnsville can do a house safety evaluation and help you fall-proof it to be safe for seniors. If you're looking for more personalized help, we also have professional caregivers serving Burnsville, Saint Paul, and Cottage Grove, Hastings. Contact us to get a caregiver you can trust.