During the winter season, cold temperatures, snow, and ice can make life challenging for seniors. Home health businesses need to plan around cold temperatures and slippery sidewalks. These two items can cause in a wide array of illnesses and injuries. One way to prevent injuries from a fall would be to check the weather before leaving home. If the forecast expects freezing rain or snow, simply reschedule any activities taking place away from home.

Senior falls in the snow or ice can be especially dangerous during the winter season. Your senior loved one may not understand just how slippery the sidewalks may be and a slip and fall could result in a great deal of damage to their body. Countless seniors will experience a bone fracture of some kind, especially in their wrist, hips, shoulders, and ankles. Unfortunately, a bone fracture of this type can be life-changing for the elderly. This is why it is extremely important to do your best to prevent a fall during the winter season.

Your senior loved one’s stairs and sidewalk must be cleared of all snow and ice to prevent falls and slips. To prevent any refreezing, be sure to add a layer of salt. If you are unable to clear the snow and ice yourself and add the layer of salt, look into a professional snow removal service that can help you when it snows. The small cost will be worth your peace of mind.

In addition to keeping your aging loved one’s sidewalk and stairs clear this winter; they must be reminded to wear the proper footwear. It is vital to avoid shoes or boots that are worn out. They should wear boots that have soles with anti-skid material and good traction. While it is helpful to wear proper footwear; it is still important to remind your senior loved one to take their time and use caution when moving from one area to another. Be sure to remind them to take their time and step carefully when they cannot tell if the ground is clear. This time of year, clear ice, or black ice can be threatening. It can catch aging loved one off guard due to the thin coating of ice on walking surfaces. If possible, offer your senior loved one assistance as they enter or exit a new area to keep them standing steady and straight.

Soon the cold winds will be blowing, with snow falling. In some places, temperatures will be dropping below records, with the furnace constantly running to heat your home. Next thing you know, it will be the middle of an ice-cold winter. Winter is a challenging time for walking outside for seniors. This is why it is imperative to make the necessary plans for keeping your seniors sidewalk and stairs safe this winter.

Whether you are learning more about how to start a home care business, home health businesses or this is for your senior loved one, having this information can help ensure the safety of the senior in your care.