Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

December 3, 2015by jami in Blog tagged Fall Prevention, Patient Safety

While the holiday season is filled with good cheer, it also brings dangerous conditions — especially for seniors.

Winter Safety Tips for Seniors An old proverb reads, “It’s better to keep a friend from falling than to help him up.” For the healthcare professional, this statement couldn’t ring more true. According to the CDC:

One out of three older adults (those aged 65 or older) falls each year but less than half talk to their healthcare providers about it.
Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.
Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI)!
Those who fall are two to three times more likely to fall again.

Thus, every possible effort should be made to prevent fall injuries from occurring – both in the hospital/clinic setting and at home.

Winter Safety Tips for Seniors:

Keep vision sharp. Older adults should have their eyes checked every year and wear glasses or contact lenses with the right prescription strength.
Remove items from walkways that can cause slipping or fallings (small tables, electric cords, bags, etc.)
Install handrails on staircases.
Make sure adequate lighting is available in the home.
Install grab bars and use non-slip rubber mats inside the tub or shower.
Secure rugs to the floor with double-sided tape or velcro.
Store items in cabinets within easy reach.
Keep water off of the floor and clean up food or liquid spills immediately.

Geriatric Safety CEUs

This December, CEU360 is promoting awareness of geriatric health and fall prevention with our continuing education courses geared towards safety in the geriatric population:

I’ve Fallen, Now What? Helping Educate Your Patients Following a Fall
2 Contact Hours
Disciplines: PT, PTA, OT, COTA*

I’ve Fallen, Now What? Helping Educate Your Patients Following a Fall