By Teresa Carr
Adams County Senior Council
Administrative Assistant
From Ohio Department of Aging – Falls Prevention in Every Season.
From ice to mud and extreme heat to strong winds, each season in Ohio presents unique falls risks for older adults. (For this article the focus will be on Autumn).
As the temperature starts its downward trend, and the days get shorter, new risks for falls arrive.
• Leaves, branches and other debris from trees due to the change in seasons can make walkways slippery or hide tripping hazards, like uneven surfaces, edges, and steps. Keep walkways clean, and if you can’t see that the surface is clear and flat, pick another path.
• If winterizing your home includes cleaning gutters, changing light bulbs, or other tasks that require you to get up high, use a step ladder or a step stool with a handle, and maintain three points of contact (two feet and a hand, or two hands and a foot) at all times. Do not climb on chairs or other furniture that was not designed for that purpose.
• Shorter days mean less direct sunlight and less sunlight overall, meaning you may need more light to get around your home safely. Invest in extra lamps, nightlights, and exterior pathway lights to make sure you can always see where you are walking, especially around doorways and stairs. Use the highest-wattage bulb recommended for your fixtures.
• Don’t let the cooler weather and shorter days limit your activity. Exercise that builds and maintains strength and balance is important to prevent falls year-round. Ask your doctor or physical therapist about indoor exercises that can help you maintain strength and balance when you can’t venture out.
• As the temperature drops, bundle up to stay warm, but make sure you can see in all directions and move easily and freely.
• Keep shoes and walking aids (canes, walkers) free of dirt and mud (wet or dry). Dry them off immediately upon coming in from wet conditions. Remember, wet shoes are just as dangerous as wet floors.
• Use the autumn time change from Daylight Saving Time as a reminder to check your home for falls risks.
For more information, please go to:
https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/health-and-safety/fall-prevention/falls-prevention-in-every-season
Just A Thought: “Kindness to others adds fragrance to our friendships, love to our labors, warmth to our words, rainbows to our relationships, and harmony to our homes.” ~William Arthur Ward (1921–1994)
