Home Care Winter Safety: Preventing Slips & Falls

According to the CDC, one out of three people age 65 and older will fall each year leading to 2.5 million emergency department treatments for fall injuries. One in five falling incidents among seniors will cause a serious injury such as a broken bone or head injuries. In fact, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries among seniors.

No matter the season, falling is always a concern for seniors and their home caregivers. Ice and slush during the winter months can create hazardous conditions that greatly increase the likelihood of slips and falls. Taking extra precautions to prevent senior home care patients from falling is especially important during these frigid months in Minnesota.

The home care professionals at Best Home Care have put their heads together to come up with their top tips for preventing winter falls. Those providing elderly home care should take a moment to incorporate these tactics into their home care plans as soon as possible:

• Wear the Right Shoes: Elder home care patients should always wear boots and shoes with good treads and traction when heading outdoors. Indoors, seniors should wear socks or slippers with anti-skid materials to help grip slippery flooring.
• Strengthen Your Balance: Strength and balance exercises will help strengthen a senior’s legs and prevent falls. Tai Chi is a great example of this type of exercise and is well suited for seniors.
• Check Your Eyesight: Seniors should have their eyes checked at least once a year and update eyewear regularly. Crisp eyesight will help them better recognize icy and hazardous conditions.
• Take Vitamin D Supplements: Some falls just can’t be prevented. Seniors should take vitamin D supplements with calcium to help strengthen their bones so in the event of a fall; they are less likely to suffer a broken bone.

With all the extra snow this winter, personal care assistants and family caregivers should take extra precaution moving outdoors with seniors. Take the necessary steps to prevent a fall now to ensure the safety and health of your elder home care patient all winter long.

As a Minneapolis home care agency, the home care professionals at Best Home Care know a thing or two about providing at home care services in these frigid conditions. For more tips on keeping senior home care patients safe this winter, contact Best Home Care today!