With the onset of winter, it is more crucial than ever to take precautions against slips and falls. Cold weather can causes ice to accumulate on paths during the winter, which then become slick and wet. This, combined with the fact that there is less daylight in the winter, increases the likelihood of falling.
These conditions are particularly hazardous for older people, for whom falls can have life-changing medical and financial consequences. Falling is one of the leading causes of hospital admissions for older people in Australia. As a senior, it’s easy to find yourself in need of extra health and home care services if you fall and sustain serious injuries.
It’s imperative that you take measures to protect yourself — and others — from slipping and falling during the wet winter months. Here are a few safety tips to help you reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls around your home and community.
Choose The Right Footwear
It’s very important to wear the right shoes during the winter season. Choose footwear with good traction and grip when you are out and about. Shoes with thick rubber soles and a firm grip provide excellent protection on slippery surfaces as you navigate around your home or community. Fitted shoes or those with shoelaces or straps are ideal for slippery surfaces.
Install Anti-Slip Mats
Add anti-slip mats on slippery floor surfaces wherever necessary, including in areas such as the kitchen, toilet, and bathrooms. Anti-slip mats can be an effective safety measure during the winter when floors around your home are likely to be wet and slippery more than usual. Anti-slip mats will reduce the risk of slips and falls throughout the year.
Clear Pathways
The paths and driveways around your home may be coated with ice and water as the cold weather begins to set in. At the same time, the trees will start to shed, meaning there will be a lot of leaves around the outside of your property. Falling leaves and icy pathways are hazardous and difficult to walk on — clear paths around your property to reduce the risk of slipping and falling.
Use Well-Lit Paths
Lastly, keep in mind that days in the winter months can be darker compared to other seasons. Be sure to use only well-lit paths or carry a flashlight for use in dark areas when you are out and about. You should also turn the lights on in the darker areas of your home to reduce the risk of tripping on something.
Slips, trips, and falls are usually more frequent in the Winter. Older Australians are at a greater risk of falling. Use these tips to reduce the likelihood of falling and sustaining severe injuries during these cold, wet months.
If you need home care services now, book a consult with My Care Solution today. My Care Solution is a family-run provider of premium in-home aged care services in Adelaide and Victor Harbor.
