January News: Fall Prevention Tips

Don’t Stumble and Tumble

Don't Stumble and Tumble Bright Red and Magenta logo type.

Watch your step on ice and snow. And indoors watch your step as well!

It’s important to prevent falls especially for seniors. A fall can spell big trouble. It can land you squarely in the hospital and reduce your independence.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25 percent of seniors age 65 and older suffer a fall every year. Annually slip, trip and fall accidents among the elderly account for 2.8 million injuries and 32,000 deaths. Many suffer head trauma, hip fractures and lacerations due to falls.

Prevent A Serious Accident. Share These Tips.

Share the below tips to help seniors avoid falls in winter. We cannot change the weather, but we can take measures to prepare and be safe. Fall prevention in the elderly is an ongoing discipline and is especially important during the winter months.

Plan Ahead.  If the weather is bad, don’t plan to go out. Wait for better travel conditions.

Don’t Rush!  Allow plenty of time to get where you need to go. The chances of falling increase when you rush and use less caution.

Looking down on a cleared path on snowy walkway with person in black boots

Know your limitations when outside in the winter. Watch where you walk to avoid a fall!

Concentrate on Where You Put Your Feet.  Walk slowly and deliberately. Place each foot flat on the ground with each step.

Get a Firm Hold.  Get out of the car safely. Always hold securely to a door or another person.

Look for The Safest Route, Including Paths into Buildings.  Choose an alternate route if necessary.

Ask for Help.  If the pathway is slippery, ask someone to help you get to where you’re going.

Keep Hands Free.  Avoid carrying items. Wear gloves if necessary.

Use Handrails.  A handrail can prevent a fall if you slip.

Clean Your Shoes When You Get Inside.  Snow and ice can freeze onto the soles of shoes and become treacherous, even indoors.

Smart Fall Prevention

What Can I Do to Lessen My Chances?

Get Regular Exercise. Some falls are caused by weak muscles. Strength-building exercises are best. Consider these exercises to build strength: walking, swimming or dancing.

Closeup of woman's foot caught in electrical cord tripping over

Loose cords can pose a threat and cause a fall.

De-Clutter! Look around and remove fall hazards like electrical cords, pet toys, magazines, shoes, baskets and plants. Get rid of throw rugs.

Clean Up Spills. If you spill something, take time to clean it up so no one slips.

Use a Cane. If you are becoming a little wobbly, try using a cane and use handrails on stairs. You may want to also install grab bars in your bathroom tub and shower.

Turn On The Lights. With age, eyesight declines. Turn on lights in dark hallways. Add brighter lighting to stairwells and porches. Keep a flashlight handy if you get up at night and install simple nightlights.

Wear Good Footwear. Sturdy well-fitting shoes with rubber soles help with balance. Avoid flip flops, slippers, high heels and backless shoes.

Bundle Up! If you’re going out, wear proper clothing, gloves, hat and footwear. But make sure you can move freely and are able to see in all directions.

Get Your Eyes and Ears Checked. Hearing and vision loss can make you more prone to falling.

Winter Snow And Ice

Special care should be taken during winter months. Snow and ice can track in your house on your shoes and increase the chances of a fall. Clean off your shoes after going outside in snow and ice.

People cross busy street in blustery, blizzardly weather.

Watch your step in snowy conditions. You don’t want to slip and fall.

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