Falls are the biggest fear of anyone with elderly parents.
A simple misstep could be disastrous, making a once highly independent person a prisoner in their own body.
But there are a few things you can do to make sure the older ones in your life stay a little safer.
Here are a few tips from the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging:
- Remove loose carpets and rugs, or tack them down and add non-skid backing.
- Add lights in dimly lit areas and at the top and bottom of stairs.
- Clean up clutter, especially near staircases.
- Put handrails on both sides of steps and stairs.
- Add “grab bars” near the toilet and bathtub, and no-slip decals or a rubber mat in tub or shower.
- Wear firm shoes that are not slippery on the bottom.
- Don’t walk around in loose slippers or socks. Wear boots with non-skid soles for better traction while walking in winter weather.
- Be sure to keep steps and walkways clear of ice and snow.
- Steer clear of ice- or snow-covered sidewalks; choose paths that are dry and have been properly shoveled.
- Replace the rubber tip of canes or walkers before worn smooth, which could make it slippery when wet.
In addition to the tips above, the best thing to do is keep in contact with your parents. Make sure to give a call and stop by to see that everything at home is in order.
