By the end of the week, September will be here! At this time next week, the new school year will have begun. Before September ends, the fall season will have started. Welcome to another point in the year when big changes are made. As a member of the senior community, it’s important to ensure you can navigate this season with confidence and ease.
Attention to fall prevention is important all year round. However, here five tips to keep seniors upright during the fall season:
1. Clear outdoor pathways of fallen leaves.
The whole reason for the name of the season is all of those fallen leaves. They leave quite a picturesque view of our communities. However, those leaves also pose slipping hazards. Regularly rake and clear your pathways to prevent leaves from accumulating. Wet leaves can be especially treacherous. After it rains, it’s important to keep sidewalks and driveways clear to avoid slipping.
“Branches and sticks can become tripping hazards while piles of leaves can disguise hidden obstructions in our pathways that can cause injuries like sprained ankles and more,” warns the Guelph Rehab Centre, “Even if it’s only once a week, grab a rake or leaf blower and take 15 minutes to clear off any walkways surrounding your home. Not only could it save a family member from suffering an injury, but it will also help keep delivery personnel safe as well”.
2. Stay active and strengthen your balance.
Fall prevention isn’t just about avoiding hazards. It’s also about building strength and balance to navigate them more effectively. Engage in regular exercise routines that focus on enhancing your balance and flexibility. Tai chi, yoga and simple leg-strengthening exercises can significantly reduce the risk of falls. If you’re unsure of where to start, consider joining a local senior fitness class or consulting a physical therapist for guidance.
3. Embrace sensible footwear.
Fall fashion might call for stylish shoes. However, when it comes to preventing falls, practicality takes precedence. Opt for footwear with non-slip soles and sturdy support. Properly fitting shoes are a must. Be sure to avoid loose-fitting or open-toed shoes that can lead to trips and stumbles. As you head out to enjoy fall festivities or take a leisurely stroll among the colourful foliage, comfortable and secure shoes will be your trusty companions in fall prevention.
“With the added risks wet leaves and frequent puddles present, preventing a fall could be as simple as trading in the open-toed footwear for a proper pair of lace-up shoes or boots,” says the Guelph Rehab Centre, “These will give you adequate traction on all surfaces and will keep those toes of yours warm.”
4. Brighten the lights.
During the fall season, the days get shorter. Because it gets dark quicker, the importance of adequate lighting becomes even more apparent. Ensure that your both your living space and outdoor walkways are well-lit. Use nightlights in hallways, bathrooms and bedrooms to prevent those midnight trips from turning into falls. Outdoors, consider installing motion-sensor lights along pathways and entrances to keep your surroundings well-illuminated and safe.
5. Install a stair lift.
Perhaps, the upcoming fall season would be the perfect time to install a stair lift in your home. Stair lifts are easily the best solutions for preventing falls on the stairs! To learn all about the stair lifts offered by LifeCare Mobility Solutions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
