Homelium’s Tips to Keeping the Elderly Safe During the Icy Weather
Winter can be a beautiful season with the frost glistening all around us, but the icy conditions it brings can be dangerous to many of us, heightening the risk of accidents.
The winter season in the UK brings a serious risk to vulnerable individuals. Cold weather conditions that lead to dangerous icy roads and paths highly increase the risk of slips, falls, and other injuries to the elderly. It is essential to take extra precautions to keep people safe and warm this winter.
At Homelium, we believe in creating a safe and comfortable environment for your loved ones to thrive. Here are a few tips to take into consideration when caring for our elderly loved ones.
Choose the Correct Footwear
Having the correct footwear for the winter season is one of the easiest and more effective ways to prevent falls. Wearing shoes or boots with little to no grip on them will highly increase the fall risks, so make sure to find comfortable footwear with non-slip soles with plenty of grip to provide traction on ice. Ice grips can also be a good investment for footwear to give that extra stability when walking in icy conditions.
Keep Hold of Handrails or Walking Aids
Using handrails can help to avoid a dangerous fall in the icy conditions as if people were to slip whilst holding on to a handrail, injures may be less significant than if there weren’t holding on.
It may also be safer to consider using a cane or a walker for extra stability if it is necessary to venture outside.
Ensure Pathways are Clear of Ice & Snow
People who live in areas that experience frequent snow and ice should always keep a supply of salt, sand or an ice melt product at their homes to be prepared to keep their pathways clear at all times. Without doing this and attempting to walk through uncleared pathways can cause a huge fall risk.
If possible, family members, carers, or neighbours should always try provide help in clearing elderly people’s pathways as there are many health risks for the elderly when attempting strenuous activities in snow or ice conditions.
“Higher Risk of Injury and Illness in Icy, Cold Conditions.”
Make Sure to Stay Warm & Dry
Icy conditions of course bring the colder temperatures with it, which can lead to more illnesses. Keeping warm and dry is essential in these conditions so make sure to layer up with warm clothing, and make sure to cover up your hands, feet and head.
If it is necessary to leave the house, waterproof clothing is essential to avoid exposure to the weather!
Only Leave the House if Absolutely Necessary
It is best to stay indoors if conditions pose a risk to health and safety. Unless it is absolutely necessary to leave the home, always ask for assistance from family, carers, or neighbours first before attempting to go outdoors. Never take the risk of slips and falls just to pop to the shops!
By following these simple tips, elderly people can reduce the risk of injury and enjoy winter with peace of mind. Stay safe and warm indoors through this cold season!
For more advice or to explore our home care services, contact Homelium today!
