Plan Ahead for Slips and Falls: How to Create a Communication Plan for Fallen Seniors

No one wants to think about disaster, but failing to prepare only makes things worse. This can apply to many situations, but one of the most relatable is a slip and fall. Protect the seniors in your life by creating a communication plan for slips and falls. If you're not sure where to start, here's our helpful guide you can follow.

Planning Ahead

First and foremost, it's necessary to plan ahead for slips and falls. In the best-case scenario, this will prevent a fall from even happening. Even if a fall does happen, knowing what to do after will save crucial time. With all of that in mind, here's what to do:

Keep Ice at Bay

Ice is a major and obvious slip-and-fall risk. As such, removing and preventing ice ahead of time will prevent slips and falls. Shoveling the driveway for a senior after heavy snow and throwing out salt are the most basic solutions. Keeping railings dry will also help by giving them a place to hold onto if they lose their footing.

Make an Action Plan

Talking about potential slips and falls with a senior and any other family or caretaker ensures everyone is on the same page when something happens. Knowing how to react saves time and prevents panic. Know who to call, what to do, and how to get help so that these things can be done as quickly as possible.

During an Emergency

If a slip and fall happen, all of the prep that's been done will need to be put into action. Here's what to do during an emergency:

Call for Help

For seniors, being found if they can't get up is the most important part of making a plan. If someone sticks with them throughout the day, this is hopefully not a hard thing to do. If they're on their own or a caretaker is not with them at the moment, though, having an emergency alert necklace is great insurance.

Head to the ER

Slip and fall injuries may not always be severe. However, this is no reason to be too cavalier with a senior's health. Even if nothing seems wrong and they can get back up, it's important to be examined by a doctor after a fall. Not all injuries manifest immediately or dramatically, and leaving something untreated can be extremely dangerous. Having an exam at the ER is the safest option.

Call Family and Other Important People

If a senior has been hurt, it's important to inform their loved ones. This task is best accomplished by a caretaker who can do this while a senior is recovering from their injuries. This does not mean catastrophizing the situation, but simply informing people of what has happened.

Get Help From Senior Helpers Greater OKC

Caring for a senior is a big responsibility no matter the season. If you've been a senior's primary caretaker and feel like you might need some help yourself, call Senior Helpers Greater OKC today. We provide in-home care for seniors throughout the Oklahoma City area, including cities like Edmond and Norman. Contact Senior Helpers Greater OKC today to learn more.