WINTER SAFETY

A REMINDER OF PRECAUTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO KEEP SAFE IN WINTER

FACTS:

• In the U.K. every five hours an older person is killed due to an accidental fall in the home.
   

• More than 300,000 older people attend their Accident and Emergency departments every year because of falls in the home

Falls and accidental injuries increase with age and most take place within the home.  If we get the preventative measures right we would do much to remove some of the stresses on our already stretched services during the winter months.

How to avoid slips, trips and broken hips.

Older people can Take Care and avoid accidents this winter by following these preventative safety tips:-

• Keep physically fit - falls can be due to weak muscles and poor balance.
   

• Take fewer risks - do things slowly and in stages.
   

• Avoid tripping - avoid wearing open back footwear, trailing nightwear or other loose fitting clothing.  Rugs that are not secured to the floor are a tripping hazard.
   

• Eat a healthy balanced diet - make sure you have enough calcium and Vitamin D to keep bones strong - milk, cheese, yoghurt, oily fish (such as sardines and tuna) and meat are sources of calcium.
   

• Avoid bending - by having a letterbox cage fitted.  Storing items you use regularly in a place that does not require bending, can help.
   

• Avoid climbing on chairs - get someone else to help where you can't reach, such as changing light bulbs.
   

• Consider fitting rails by the toilet, bath and on stairs - they help with balance.
   

• Watch out for pets - you can easily trip over them.
   

• Avoid leaning on furniture with castors - or remove the castors.
   

• Spread salty sand on icy steps and avoid going out when pavements are snow covered and icy.

Reproduced by kind permission of West Sussex District Council (https://www.westsussex.gov.uk)

Other tips which come to mind are:-

• Don't polish under rugs.
   

• Don't polish the inside of bath or showers.
   

• Don't leave anything unattended on the oven.

Can you think of any others?  If so email to june@hintsandthings.co.uk

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