As part of our winter fall prevention tips for seniors, let us discuss how to prevent slipping on ice. As we age, our mobility and balance may decrease, making it more likely for us to slip on icy sidewalks or driveways.
While falls can be dangerous at any age, they can have more serious consequences for seniors.
In many parts of the country, it feels like spring has come early, but in just as many, there are inches and sometimes feet of snow accumulation.
If you live in a town where winter weather rarely lets up, you may worry about the elderly person in your life.
How can you prevent older adults from slipping in icy conditions?
To keep the elderly from slipping and falling on ice, do the following:
- Don’t wait to shovel until after the snow, as you might prevent the formation of ice if you’re quick
- Add gravel or sand to your driveway or other icy surfaces, as this breaks ice up
- Walk slowly yet deliberately; this goes for caregivers as well
- Make sure your family member has shoes with grooved soles made of rubber
- Consider staying in until conditions improve
In this article, I’ll take a closer look into the above safety tips to help keep older people from a fall accident in icy conditions.
I’ll also discuss how to fall safely if you must, so keep reading!
How Do You Stop Yourself From Slipping On Ice?
Ice doesn’t discriminate by age. Anyone, from younger people through senior citizens, could slip and fall on black ice in parking lots or slippery sidewalks.
You can even be at an increased risk of falling on icy areas of grass if there is a layer of new snow on them.
Injuries from a fall can be quite extensive, including head trauma, broken bones, torn muscles, fractures, and possibly even death from complications.
While a child or a young adult could potentially recover from a slip and fall on ice, elderly people might not. Their quality of life could change forever.
Per the information in the intro, let’s talk in more detail how to prevent slips on ice.
Shovel Snow Right Away
If it’s cold enough for snow to fall, then the temperatures are low enough for ice to form as well. Snow is simply very cold water that forms into ice crystals.
These crystals typically have pointed edges, so a snowflake resembles a star or even a needle. The edges become rounder as snow accumulates.
Also, there’s less air between the flakes as they pile atop one another, but this doesn’t happen immediately. If given enough time for fluids to get in, ice can form beneath or between the snowflakes.
If you don’t wait for snow to pile up several inches on your lawn, driveway, or walkway, it’s possible you can disrupt the formation of new ice before it can happen.
Yes, I realize this might mean you have to go outside several times to shovel, but it’s necessary.
If you have chronic pain or another health issue that prevents you from shoveling this much, you might rely on a loved one or neighbor to shovel for you.
You can also try applying salt, which could melt the snow.
Use Gravel Or Sand On The Driveway Or Path
If the snow has gotten quite hard and chunky, you might want to use gravel and sand on your lawn or driveway.
The friction of these toughened materials allows large chunks of ice or snow to break down.
Learn How To Walk On Snow
There’s more about walking techniques for snowy weather in another article, however I do want to mention now that it’s important to never rush.
If you or an elderly relative have a doctor’s appointment or some other timely event to attend, it’s a good idea to make sure everyone has extra time to get there, especially in the winter months.
Leave early so you can afford to take your time outside in snowy conditions. This is good advice for driving in any inclement weather, as well.
However, if you do happen to fall on ice, it’s a good idea to know how to fall as safely as possible.
And of course, everyone should know what to do if you do fall to avoid further injury.
Check Your Footwear
You also want to make sure the senior is wearing the proper footwear for traversing snow and possibly ice.
If their boots or shoes have leather soles, leave them inside until after the snow melts. The same goes for wearing high heels of any kind.
Neither type of footwear will give good traction on slippery surfaces.
There are ice cleats that seniors can use to get extra traction and reduce their chances of falling in slippery conditions. Look for cleats that are lightweight, easy to put on their shoes, and easy to take off.
You should never wear cleats inside, however, as they are very slippery on tile, wood floors, and linoleum.
Decide Whether You Have To Go Out In The First Place
One of the best ways to avoid slips and falls on ice is to stay indoors. If your neighborhood just had a snowstorm, do you and your senior really have to go anywhere, or can it wait?
Most appointments can be postponed and rescheduled unless they’re urgent.
For example, if you go to the grocery store ahead of the storm, there should be no reason to venture out during or immediately after the snow.
Again, this might not always be possible, but try to stay indoors if you can.
