Below are some simple steps that you can take to help reduce falls among older adults as well as adults with disabilities in your community.
- Attach spikeless ice and snow shoe gripper sole covers to shoes for extra stability when walking on slippery surfaces. Look for these at sporting goods stores.
- Attach an ice gripper cane tip that has spikes on the bottom to penetrate the ice and secure a firm grip. Ice grip tips can be purchased online.
- Choose winter shoes with rubber soles to maintain traction on slippery surfaces.
- Encourage older adults to carry a zip top bag filled with a lightweight kitty litter in their pocket and cast it out ahead of themselves on slick surfaces.
Suggestions for fall-proofing gifts for aging parents:
- Fall alarm systems that are motion triggered without hitting a button
- Higher toilets in the home
- Replace multifocal glasses with single vision eyeglass lenses
- Grab bars in bathroom and next to outside steps or inside thresholds
- Install firm stair railings on both sides of stairways
- Set automatic lights over stairways and by outside entrances
- Cover home entryway and provide a table to sit bags on while finding keys
- Give small/light flashlights to attach to key chains, hats, and coat buttons
- Easy to carry water bottle to promote staying well hydrated.
Help make this winter season a safe, warm, and wonderful for your patients, family, and community!
