Preventing Falls in the Winter Time
As the winter weather approaches, it is essential for seniors and their caregivers to start implementing basic fall prevention techniques. Falls are a major reason for hospitalizations in Canada, and can lead to head injury, fracture, contusions, disability and even death. The winter weather makes every day surfaces icy and slippery contributing to the amount of falls recorded during this season. A hip fracture could hospitalize you up to 6 months depending on the severity of the fracture, and many times seniors never fully recover well enough to be able to return home safely. As we age, our bones become more brittle and susceptible to bruising and fracture due to the loss of muscle mass. Lets look at what you can do to keep your body safe and intact this winter season.
7 Fall prevention strategies to consider this winter season:
1. Use non slip socks in the home – Non slip socks are great at keeping traction on the bottom of your feet as you maneuver through your house, thereby reducing the chance of you slipping and falling from slick tiles and hardwood floors.
2. Optimize your environment – What we mean by this is having adequate lighting to see where you are headed when your walking. Remove flimsy old rugs and mats that you can easily trip on while walking or using your walker. Instead, use heavy mats that wont bunch up of fold onto itself along the edges.
3. Call for help – Use your phone or call bell to ask for assistance if you do not feel strong enough to get up on your own. Standby assist from a caretaker will give you the comfort in knowing that there is someone there with you in the event of a fall or emergency. Also, if you have a fall alert necklace or bracelet, remember to get in the habit of wearing it daily.
4. Use assistive equipment – Your walker, cane and wheelchair are all there to support you when you walk. Walkers that have folding chair built into them can be very handy when you are feeling weak or short of breath when walking as you are able to take a minute to catch your breath. Ensure your equipment is in working order this winter season.
5. Appropriate footwear use – If it is snowing or icy outside, use extreme caution when going outside. Wear boots / shoes that fit you well and have traction on the bottom of the soles.
6. Snow removal and de-icing of pathways. It is not recommended that Seniors be the one doing these tasks on their own. Ask a friend, family member or caretaker to salt the pathways in the morning and shovel snow before heading you head out the door.
7. Strengthen your muscles – Although it may be the holiday season and time for relaxing, don’t neglect your physical body. Preserving, maintaining and building muscle at any age will help you stand strong and move with power. Our muscles hug and support the bones. 10 to 30 minutes of resistance exercise is all it takes to build muscle on your frame. This type of exercise is also shown to strengthen our bones as well making them less susceptible to fractures.
Lets have a great winter season while staying free and clear of the emergency room this year. Implement these fall prevention strategies and share with your loved ones this holiday season.
Looking for help at home this holidays season? Give us a call at Modern Day Home Health Care 778-689-8012 to see how we can help you with your care needs. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Moderndayhomehealthcare
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