Winter in the northeast can be a harsh reality. Snow, sleet and icy roads and walkways can make getting around not only inconvenient, but dangerous as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), older adults are at an increased risk of falling each year, with more than one third of adults 65 and older experiencing a serious fall that can lead to bruising, fractures or head trauma. The winter months exacerbate this with the addition of hazardous weather such as snow and ice.
Health care professionals at the Barnabas Health Home Health Care Agencies, affiliates of Barnabas Health, understand the challenges and devastating consequences that a serious fall can inflict on an older adult and urge individuals to take some simply precautions to decrease their risk of falling.
- Wear proper footwear. Ensure that shoes and boots have proper traction to help with stability on snowy, bumpy and icy surfaces.
- Keep a shovel, salt and sand accessible. Avoid walking on slippery surfaces near your home by having these items handy.
- Carry a cell phone. Have the extra security of knowing you can call for help if you need it.
- Take it slow. Allow for extra time to get places in the winter, especially if it's slippery out.
- Ask for help. If you have to walk across an icy sidewalk or parking lot, try to find a steady arm to lean on. Most people are eager to help an older person navigate a slippery walkway.
- Better yet, don’t take chances. Unless absolutely necessary, don’t take chances walking on icy or slippery surfaces.
- Have a plan. Know who to call in case of an emergency.
In addition, some general lifestyle strategies can help to prevent falls:
- Exercise regularly. Perform exercises that maintain or improve balance and strength. Tai Chi and yoga exercises are especially helpful.
- Have medications reviewed. Review both prescription and over-the-counter medications to reduce side effects and drug interactions that could impair balance.
- Have a yearly eye exam. Make sure your vision is as good as it can be to navigate walking and avoid potential falls.
- Take steps to “fall proof” your home. Check for hazards in and out of the home to reduce the likelihood of falling.
The Barnabas Health Home Health Care Agencies, which support Community Medical Center Home Health in Toms River, Community Kare in Lakewood, Jersey Care Home Health in West Orange and Medical Center Health Care Services in West Orange, offer a wide variety of health care services in the comfortable environment of one’s home. For more information, please call 1-732-818-6800 (southern New Jersey), 1-973-243-9666 (northern New Jersey), or visit www.homehealthnj.com.
Date: January 2010
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