It may be too early in the season to bust out a spirited rendition of jingle bells, but it’s not too early for seniors utilizing home care resources to think about winter safety. One of the most threatening hazards this time of year is the potential for extended home care patients to slip on a patch of ice. When snow begins to fall, don’t follow its lead. Abide by these tips from Best Home Care to prevent falls that cause bumps, bruises, or broken bones.
To Avoid Slips, Do:
- Look Before You Step: Proceed slowly wherever you roam and watch the ground in front of your feet. Shuffle when you see a spot of ice and hold onto the arm of a home care provider or when possible, avoid slippery routes altogether.
- Switch Out Your Shoes: Wear boots with textured soles to trek through the snow even if they are more bulky than stylish. If necessary, bring shoes to change into when you arrive at church, your physical therapist’s office, or a relative’s house.
- Keep Entry Ways Clear: Be your own advocate, ask a personal care attendant to find someone to help remove snow if the front steps are not safe. This tip applies inside too, watch out for melting snow from other people’s shoes on the tile floor.
To Avoid Slips, Don’t:
- Carry a Bunch of Items: Accept that offer from the teenager bagging groceries to also take your bags to your car. Or, ask your home care agency to recommend a delivery service that will bring goods right to your door so you can stay indoors.
- Keep Hands in Pockets: Use gloves instead of shoving your freezing fingers into two jacket pockets. If your arms aren’t glued to your sides it will help with balance and leave your hands free to brace your body in case of a fall.
- Let Your Body Tense Up: Sounds rather strange, but it is a good idea to relax your muscles instead of fighting a fall that you couldn’t prevent Even though it’s a natural reaction, tensing up to a surprise slip can cause you to hurt yourself more.
Take precautionary steps now to avoid a slip and ensure the wellbeing of your elder home care client through the holiday season and beyond. Take time to review even more winter home care safety tips for seniors here.
Contact Best Home Care today for more advice on helping at home care patients deal with the winter weather.
