The colder months can bring with them an increased risk of falling for a variety of reasons. Sidewalks and driveways can become more slippery due to leaves, snow, ice, and slush on the ground. Reduced daylight hours cause decreased visibility, making hazards harder to see. And colder weather can cause your muscles to tense up, reducing flexibility and balance.

To help keep you on your feet, we’ve put together a list of ways you can prepare for the fall and winter months. Read on to learn more!

Maintain outside areas & home entryways

Ensure paths, driveways, and steps are kept in good repair and are clear of leaves, snow, and ice. If you’re not able to do it yourself, ask a friend or neighbour or hire a maintenance professional to help. Exterior railings are a smart addition which can help you move around more safely, especially when outdoor walkways are slippery. These can be installed quickly and hassle free by Wellwise Home Services.

Consider a mobility aid

A mobility aid can help you feel steadier on your feet and boost your confidence to move around during the colder months.

The type of aid that best suits you will depend on your level of mobility. If you only need a little extra help with balance, a cane could be the right option for you. However, if you’d rather something that offers more support, a rollator or walker could be the best choice. For those who tire easily and struggle to walk for longer periods of time, a wheelchair might be for you. There are many collapsible options that can be easily stored for use when needed. If you decide to try out a wheelchair, installing an access ramp outside your home may also be a sensible option.

At Wellwise by Shoppers™, we offer a wide range of canes, walkers, rollators, and wheelchairs. We also have resources on how to choose the right cane and on walkers versus rollators that could help with your decision.

If you want to feel even more secure as you move through winter, you can find a range of mobility accessories, such as light attachments, which can be easily installed onto most mobility aids to help increase visibility during darker months. We also stock a selection of cane tip attachments for improved stability on snow and ice.

Be careful on the stairs

A common site of trips and falls, it’s important to make the stairs in your home as safe as possible. Keep them clear of clutter, be sure to fix any loose carpets, and make sure your banister is stable and in good repair. If you find it difficult to get up and down the stairs, you might want to consider a stairlift. Many options are available, and they’re often able to be neatly folded away so they don’t take up too much space.

Avoid falls in the bathroom

With its smooth, hard surfaces and abundance of water, the bathroom is possibly the biggest culprit when it comes to trips and falls in the home. However, there are myriad ways you can adapt yours to make it a safe and relaxing place to be.

A rubber backed, absorbent mat for the floor and a rubber mat for inside the shower and bathtub are both non-negotiables. Grab bars next to the toilet, shower, and bathtub are no-brainers for helping you easily keep your balance while using the bathroom. A bath transfer bench is helpful for those who struggle to step over the side of the bathtub without losing their balance. Equally, a shower or bath seat is a useful tool if you find it difficult to sit all the way down in the bath or stand for extended periods in the shower.

Contact Wellwise Home Services

Want to fall-proof your home but not sure where to start? The Wellwise Home Services team can help! We’ll come and perform a home assessment, recommend the products that best suit your needs, and arrange installation and post-sale follow-up. Learn more on our Home Services page.

Ontario and BC Tax Credits

The governments of Ontario and British Columbia have recently introduced tax credits to help seniors and people with disabilities renovate their homes to make them safer and more accessible.

You can learn more about the tax credits and find out whether you’re eligible at the links below.

• British Columbia home renovation tax credit for seniors and persons with disabilities
• Ontario Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit

The colder months can bring an increased risk of falling. However, with some regular maintenance and a few small home adaptations, you can feel safe and confident as you move through all the seasons of the year!

The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information in this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Resources

 https://www.felgains.com/blog/in-what-season-is-the-risk-of-falls-in-the-elderly-most-likely/#:~:text=Get%20in%20touch-,What%20seasonal%20factors%20affect%20the%20risk%20of%20falls%3F,up%2C%20reducing%20flexibility%20and%20balance.