Walk Safely All Winter and Avoid Falling

By Jessica Ott | December 9, 2022 |

Around 36 million older adults fall each year. Some of those falls do little more than hurt their pride, but some about 3 million result in an emergency room or urgent care clinic visit. Around 300,000 of those falls result in a hip fracture that requires a hospital stay. Your mom loves to walk throughout the year, and winter weather doesn’t stop her. She continues to head outside for a walk after lunch, but you worry a lot about her safety. Hire in-home care providers to help alleviate some worries.

How can you promote safe winter walks and help her avoid a fall?

Hire Someone to Maintain the Driveway and Sidewalks and Walk Where It’s Clear

In-Home Care Hanover PA – Walk Safely All Winter and Avoid Falling

Hire someone to shovel and snowplow your mom’s sidewalks, steps, and driveway. When they’re done clearing snow, have them spread ashes, sand, or pet-friendly sat to melt any ice and add traction.

Your mom may have a favorite place to walk, but if it’s icy and hasn’t been maintained, she shouldn’t risk her safety. She should find a backup place to walk. Instead of walking around the local park, she could walk around her neighborhood or yard.

She may enjoy going to the local pedestrian mall and walking there instead. The pedestrian area won’t have traffic to contend with, and the walkways are level and treated with materials to prevent a slip and fall.

Invest in Ice Cleats or Get Her a Cane That has an Ice Pick

Rubberized soles are ideal, and the deeper the traction is on her winter boots, the better the grip. If you’re not sure her boot’s traction is enough, purchase strap-on ice cleats like YakTrax. These ice cleats are driven into ice or snow with your mom’s body weight, creating a non-slip boot sole.

If your mom walks with a cane, look for one that has an ice pick attachment on the end. It helps with traction. As your mom swings the cane forward for her next step, the series of ice picks on the bottom of the cane grip the ice or packed snow to keep it from slipping around when she puts pressure on the cane.

Carry a Phone

When your mom goes for a walk, make sure she has a phone with her. She needs to be able to call for help if something happens. A medical alert system that connects to cell towers is also helpful if she doesn’t have a cell phone.

Walk With an In-Home Care Aide

Winter boots with great tread can only do so much to help your mom stay on her feet. Hire an in-home care aide to join her on walks or to get the mail or newspaper for her. Her caregiver can bring the trash bins to the curb and bring them back again. Call our in-home care agency to discuss caregiver pricing and schedules for the winter.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/index.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care Services in Hanover PA, please talk to us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions. In-home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258.

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Jessica Ott

Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC

Jessica Ott is the Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC.

A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC is dedicated to providing our clients with a better quality of life through our support services while maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own home.

As a Home Care Agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

We will work with you to prepare a care plan that incorporates your needs, your wishes, and your preferred schedule. Each client is matched with a caregiver who can best meet their individual needs, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted living, or nursing community.