Dr. Eboni Green
December 21, 2021
Caring for an elder or a person with disabilities becomes even more challenging in the winter. Falls are always dangerous, but the risk of falls rises with snow and ice. Here are some tips to prevent slip and fall injuries this winter, which will help you keep your client or loved one safe.
Stay on top of the weather forecast, and be ready when freezing temperatures, snow, and ice are coming. If you hire a snowplow service, make sure you spell out what areas they need clear and how often they should come, based on the depth of snowfall.
Remove snow and ice from front porches, steps, and walkways, and apply environmentally friendly ice melt products to keep them clear. Install handrails for steps if none are present.
Caregivers and their loved ones or clients should be picky about winter footwear. Choose boots with rubber soles designed to grip on snow and ice. Don’t wear leather-soled shoes on snow and ice. Test icy areas by tapping your foot on them before you step. If they’re slick, devise a safer route.
Take short steps and go slowly. Conditions can change from one step to the next. And remember, there’s no shame in shuffling when ice is present.
Many slip and fall accidents happen when people are getting into or out of vehicles. Park in a cleared spot. Be aware, though, that even cleared areas could harbor black ice, which is difficult to see. When you’re getting yourself or the person you help out of the car, pivot sideways and put both feet on the ground. Then, step down from the car—not away from it—and use the vehicle for support.
If the person you help uses a wheelchair, ensure the ramp or lift will place the chair on a cleared area where you can maintain solid footing to move the chair.
Accessories that grip ice are available for canes. If you’re helping someone who uses crutches, getting up from a wheelchair and back onto the crutches can be especially challenging. Don’t try it until you know you’re on a dry surface. Ensure the crutches are the right type and fit, and beware of wet indoor surfaces: floor mats often can’t keep up in snow and slush, and people track their wet boots into the entryways of office and medical buildings.
These tips to prevent slip and fall injuries this winter mainly deal with outdoor conditions. But as all caregivers know, many falls happen indoors. If your loved one or client is reluctant to change their living environment, explain the dangers of area rugs, electrical cords, and low visibility, and encourage them to allow you to make minor modifications that could save them from a fall.
