The elderly are disproportionately impacted by weather-related falls and slips, which send at least one million people to hospitals annually in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With its snow, ice, and rain, winter is a dangerous time for the elderly. So, it's essential to take measures to ensure your elderly loved one's safety with certain home improvements.
The bright side is that many of the slips and falls that occur during the winter can be prevented entirely. Here are five things you can do around the house to make it safer for older adults to move around and lessen the likelihood of falls this winter.
1. Providing Seniors With Better Footwear
One of the most important things you can do to prevent injuries from slips and falls is to wear the proper footwear. It would help if you got your elderly relative or friend a sturdy pair of rain boots or snow boots. Make sure the sole of your senior's older footwear isn't worn down and is still solid.
2. Improve Lighting With Home Improvements
Reduced visibility due to inadequate lighting is a significant risk factor for older adults falling. Installing bright lights where needed, especially on the small corridors and stairs, may make the space easier to maneuver. Improve nighttime safety and visibility by installing nightlights in the restrooms and bedrooms.
3. Improve Accessibility of Items
If you have elderly relatives living with you, think about how you can lower shelves or cabinets before you leave home to reduce the likelihood that they will need to use step stools or risk injury by bending down on slick surfaces.
Put goods your elderly loved one often uses, such as TV remote, glasses, keys, medicines, and reading glasses, in convenient locations.
4. Remove Ice Frequently
You can pay someone to come out and remove the ice for home improvements. Then, they can scatter melted salt to avoid refreezing. Also, you can enlist the aid of a trustworthy member of your family or a neighbor. Icy conditions provide a significant danger of falling on a porch, driveway, or sidewalk.
Make preparations in advance to respond effectively if severe winter weather occurs. It will also discourage do-it-yourself homeowners from risking falls or tiredness by clearing their land on their own.
5. Improve the Safety of Your Stairs With Home Improvements
Multiple modifications change outdoor steps to make them more accessible to those with limited mobility. Anti-slip items come in various materials. You can apply it to the stairs to make them safer, including carpet, rubber, and tape.
With some creativity, you can probably devise a solution that the homeowner will find acceptable while still being suitable for use on outdoor stairs. Putting up a railing can be helpful as well. A continuous rail beyond the last stair is ideal for safety and convenience.
How Can Senior Helpers Lexington, SC Help?
Consider in-home care from the professionals at Senior Helpers of Lexington, SC, if your elderly loved one resides in Columbia, Cayce, Lexington, Irmo, and West Columbia and may require additional help this winter. Senior Helpers of Lexington, SC provides a wide variety of resources for seniors who age in place.
If you or a loved one require elder care services or are interested in entering this field as a profession, you know how important it is to work with a caring and knowledgeable organization. Get started on your new life today by contacting Senior Helpers of Lexington, SC.