6 Best Ways to Reduce the Risk of Falls and Slips

Reduce the Risk of Falls and Slips Guide

6 Tips to Help Senior Loved Ones Enjoy an Injury-Free Season

As we age, avoiding slips and falls becomes increasingly important, regardless of the time of year. Slips and falls are just a common occurrence. No mater your age group, it is important to be aware of your environment. In this way we all Reduce the Risk of Falls and Slips in any season! In winter, spring and fall, observation is key. Obviously we need to be aware that walkways tend to be wet and slippery during the wet months. However, accidents can happen at any time of year. Therefore we Gals at Golden Placements have created this article to help you stay healthy. We ALL want to help reduce our loved one’s risk of suffering a fall this year. Read on to discover our 6 Best Ways to Reduce the Risk of Falls and Slips.

#1: Exercise to Improve Your Senior Loved One’s Balance

The stronger your muscles are, the more balanced and coordinated you are. Therefore, number one of 6 Best Ways to Reduce the Risk of Falls and Slips is to start doing exercises. Exercises designed to help improve your strength and balance are best. Begin by encouraging your senior loved one to take a yoga class or to follow these ten exercises which are done in the comfort of home.

#2: Wear Appropriate Footwear

Wearing sandals might be ideal when you’re sitting on your porch but not for walking! But if you are serious to find Ways to Reduce the Risk of Falls and Slips and Slips in Summer, then do this one thing: DO NOT use sandals or flip-flops! Instead opt for some excellent fitting walking shoes. Be sure sure the shoes fit properly. When venturing outside, check to see if your senior loved one is wearing appropriate footwear for the conditions and activity. Their walking shoes should be sturdy, supportive, comfortable, and slip-resistant.

#3: Stay Hydrated

Number three on our list of 6 Best Ways to Reduce the Risk of Falls and Slips is very important to all our health. It can be easy to get dehydrated in the heat of the summer if you’re not careful. And, when you get dehydrated, you become lightheaded and dizzy and this will put you at a much higher risk of falling. Before going outside, make sure that your senior loved one is always drinking enough water. Try to keep outdoor activities to the cooler times of the day.

#4: Pay Attention to the Weather

Summer rains can leave sidewalks littered with debris and slippery puddles, both of which can make it easier for slips and falls to occur. Therefore, pay attention to the weather, so you know what to expect when your senior loved one leaves their home. If it’s supposed to rain, make sure they are prepared for it by wearing the appropriate footwear. Alternately, you can encourage them to stay inside and do some indoor exercises to get their daily workout in.

#5: Watch Your Step!

Sometimes, avoiding a fall is as simple as watching where you step. Therefore, another Way to Reduce the Risk of Falls and Slips is watch your step. Unfortunately, when the weather is nice and the surroundings are pretty, we often lose sight of the simple things. Any time your senior loved one heads outside for a walk, make sure this tip remains at the forefront of their mind, especially when they’re walking in unfamiliar locations and terrain. Encourage them to always walk slowly and keep a watchful eye out for steep inclines, uneven surfaces, holes, and loose dirt.

#6: Use Mobility Aids if Necessary

Your senior loved one may not want to use a mobility aid, like a walking stick, walker, or special shoes but they can be essential for keeping them safe if they’re someone who has a high risk of falling. If your senior loved one’s doctor prescribes a walking aid, then by all means make sure they use it. It will help keep them healthy and safe this summer instead of recovering from a devastating slip and fall accident. With summer finally here, you’re no doubt anxious to get outside, so you and your senior loved one can enjoy all your favorite activities again. So, get out there and have fun, but don’t overlook the things they need to do to stay safe and injury-free. Keep these six tips in mind and they’ll be able to enjoy an active summer filled with sunset strolls.

Original Post on Falls and Seniors on Aug 12, 2020. This post has been recently updated as of June 2022.

Resources: Read more from the Golden Girls Senior Placement Specialists: Find Care Facilities for Your Loved One

Here are some resources to help you learn more about preventing seniors from falling and what we do for senior placement:

Diane Delaney, Placement Specialist Extraordinaire

Diane Delaney, Golden Placement Services — Diane Delaney

Delaney is the founder of Golden Placement Services. She began this business with a healthy dose of compassion for helping families make educated decisions regarding senior placement. Focused to relieve stress in uncertain senior housing crucial moments for all those involved to bring about loving change of lifestyle with grace. Beside being an accomplished executive manager, Director of Operations in senior housing she enjoys sharing her experience by writing about the full spectrum of the transition process for seniors and family members.

Read more from Senior Placement Specialist Diane: Ultimate Senior Living Resource Guide >>

LaVona Tombrelin, Senior Placement Specialist

Tombrelin brings a high level of education and experience to you as your Senior Placement Specialist at GPS. She loves writing about improving the lives of Elderly working in private care and in-home care for over 36 years. Geriatrics, Memory Care. Plus holds Master of Psychology Behavioral Health with the goal of advocating for those who needed a voice. Helping the families to make good decisions and to relieve their stress in uncertain times makes life worthwhile.

Learn More: Read articles from Placement Specialist LaVona: End of Life Transition a heart felt Guide >>