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

The winter season can be particularly beautiful. However, when snow and ice accumulate, seniors can be at risk for slips and falls. Falls rank among the most frequent causes of injuries sustained by seniors during the winter. Fortunately, falls can typically be avoided with a little forethought.

Winter fall prevention necessitates some preparation and conceivably some acceptance that a senior loved one faces a higher risk. In addition to being aware of the risks of falls, you should employ tried-and-true methods to prevent any slips and falls from rain, snow, and ice and help your elderly loved one stay safe during the frigid winters in South Minneapolis.

Why Do So Many Seniors Slip and Fall During the Winter?

Even though falls are a hazard throughout the year, winter increases the risk of harm. Snow and ice from winter weather significantly increase the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Steps and pavements accumulating ice during a cold winter are also especially dangerous.

While many seniors are capable and self-sufficient, navigating an icy sidewalk can be extremely difficult, particularly if they have limited mobility or visual impairments. Falls can result in head trauma, fractures, and other serious injuries regardless of when and where they happen. As people age, their bodies are less able to recover and heal as quickly as they could have in their younger years.

If a senior already struggles with stamina and balance, they will require additional assistance when going outside.

Tips to Help Your Senior Loved Ones Prevent Falls

Here are some pointers to help seniors reduce their chances of suffering a slip and fall injury this winter.

Pick the Correct Footwear

The first step is ensuring that your elderly loved one is appropriately dressed, particularly in the footwear. Shoes that aren't fitting properly can throw off their balance and increase their chances of tripping or falling.

These footwear recommendations will help them feel more at ease on their feet:

• Check that the shoes fit properly and do not slip off.
• Shoes with good cushioning provide comfort and support.
• Steer clear of high-heeled footwear and sandals with little support.
• Provide slippers with a good grip that adequately fastens and stays on.

Clear the Walkways

Make sure your senior can easily enter and exit the house by salting the driveway if they still reside at home. Depending on the weather, you might need to do this the night before. Salt will help melt any ice on the driveway, allowing your senior to walk safely and prevent slips and falls.

Observe Patience

Even though wearing winter footwear is beneficial, we should still inform our loved ones to move slowly from one place to the other. Slowly and closely accompany your senior loved one. There's no reason to hurry. Provide a helping hand to your elderly loved one whenever possible to keep them upright and stable as they move around.

Seek Assistance

Assure them that they should not be afraid to seek assistance if necessary. Prepare your senior for an emergency if they fall. Who else can they call, how will they access a phone, and who will regularly check on them to ensure their safety?

Senior Helpers of South Minneapolis can offer company and an extra security measure for seniors who enjoy taking winter walks or simply need to run errands. Join us at Senior Helpers of Minneapolis, an in-home care provider in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Minnetonka, and Hennepin County, to learn more about caring and consistent in-home senior care, as well as the many rewards of professional elderly care for dementia and Alzheimer's care. Contact us today to speak with a senior care specialist.