Safety Tips to Keep Senior Citizens From Accidental Falls in Winter
Winter is already upon us and it is here to stay for a few more months
Author:Stefano MclaughlinReviewer:Karan EmeryFeb 19, 2021371.6K Shares7.1M Views
Winter is already upon us and it is here to stay for a few more months. Everybody loves winter, the holidays season, Christmas, however not many realize that this is quite a dangerous time for the elderly. Many senior citizens have accidents due to falling on snow, ice, or even wet surfaces each year. Here are a few tips to follow to avoid these kinds of mishaps.
First things first, the soles of the shoes and boots should be checked for smoothness. If the shoes are very smooth, the danger of falling down is increased. Maybe now is the time to buy a new pair with enhanced traction with a better grip of the ground.
Next, come the sidewalk railings which should be checked for sturdiness. If you happen to slip on the stairs, can these railings catch you?
Always Have Your Cellphone In Your Pockets
People who fall down the stairs are usually incapacitated until help comes, so if you don't have your phone with you, you might not be able to ask for help right away.
When you are about to walk to your car from a public place, such as a restaurant, if you see that in the meantime the parking place has become an ice skating ring, don't be shy to ask for help from either a friend that accompanied you or a restaurant employee or even somebody who left the restaurant at the same time with you.
You might be late and you have to really hurry to get there. Sometimes pushing yourself too much is not good and might cause you to slip. Give yourself extra time to leave early, so you don't have to hurry to the destination. If you have a staircase in your home, make sure that you have good lighting both at the top and the bottom of the stairs. Also, a light switch at both ends is useful. Avoid using the stairs when it is dark until the light bulbs have been replaced.
Handrails Should Be Securely Fitted On Both Sides Of The Stairs
The handrails should have a comfortable grip and should feel steady without wobbling. Also, avoid carrying things up and down the stairs as that will not allow you to grip the handrails fast if you are in danger of slipping.
If you have carpets on your stairs, try to use light-colored carpets that are easily visible. Using patterned and dark-colored carpets might cause problems in visually impaired people. If the carpets are already worn and frayed at the edges, replace them with new ones as the damaged ones will make it very easy for you to trip over them. Also try to avoid using clothes that make tripping easy, such as long skirts, nightdresses, and even flared trousers. The clothing should fit the body and should not reach the floor.
A better way to secure the floors is to use anti-slip tape. This is a very strong security tape that is heavily used when it comes to safety at home.
Stefano Mclaughlin
Author
Stefano Mclaughlin is a Psychologist focused on mental health, emotional well-being, and healthcare policy. He studied Psychology and Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, gaining a deep understanding of the intersection between mental health and public policy.
Stefano's mission is clear: he aims to destigmatize mental health discussions, improve access to mental healthcare, and promote emotional well-being for all. Drawing from personal experiences with anxiety and depression, Stefano shares real stories to make mental health topics more relatable and less intimidating.
In addition to his advocacy work, Stefano enjoys delving into books, experimenting in the kitchen, and embarking on new adventures. These hobbies fuel his creativity and inspire fresh perspectives for his advocacy work.
Karan Emery
Reviewer
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
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