Falls can happen to anyone, and with the new season, slippery surfaces and reduced daylight hours, comes a natural increase, especially for older folk.
With a little advance planning and some simple changes around your home you can remove the hazards and upgrade the comfort factor to make it safer.
Here at Stiltz Home Elevators, the team has put together a few easy steps to get started.
1. Keep the driveway clear of leaves
It is not only visually satisfying when the front of your home is clear, but it is also a way to ensure you or any of your guests do not slip on the approach.
Clear leaves regularly, especially after rain, because wet leaves can become slippery and dangerous. You can clear leaves using a sturdy rake and bag them for composting or buy (or borrow!) a leaf blower, which makes light work of large areas.
Also, consider preventative measures such as mulch or netting to stop leaves crossing onto your driveway as easily.
2. Lighting
Identify areas indoors and outdoors that succumb to dark spots in the Fall.
Motion sensor lights can be programmed and are energy efficient too. You can also get battery powered motion lights that guide your path indoors when you do not want the glare of an overhead light.
Take particular care to light anywhere there is a step, slope or change of level which might catch you off guard.
3. Good shoes
Outdoors, a great pair of shoes gives you the right amount of traction and good grip. Comfortable footwear offers support to your feet and legs increasing stability.
Cushioned soles can absorb the impact when walking on hard surfaces, and in turn go easy on the joints which support good physical health.
Indoors, opt for lace ups rather than slides. With their loose fit and limited protection, you are much more likely to lose your balance or trip on uneven or slippery surfaces wearing slides.
4. Avoid the stairs with a Home Elevator
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are a leading cause of injury at home, and stairs are a common location for these falls. A fall on the stairs is surprisingly common, and many factors can contribute. You might be distracted, perhaps you are carrying something awkward, you could be feeling fatigued that day or you might trip over something someone else has absentmindedly left on the staircase as a reminder to take up later.
Whatever the circumstances, you can remove this risk completely with the installation of a home elevator. Modern lifts occupy a small space and can carry you seated or standing safely upstairs whenever you are ready, day or night. Choose a company which specializes in residential elevators and you can ensure that the design is tailored to a home environment.
5. Health Checks
A health check, often referred to as a medical checkup or wellness exam, is a routine assessment of your overall health by a healthcare professional. It usually involves discussing your medical history, checking your body, and carrying out basic tests such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Sometimes your check may also include vaccinations and lifestyle advice.
According to the Centennial Medical Group, annual physicals are common during the Fall, as it is a very sensible time to visit your medical practitioner.
A thorough annual physical gives you peace of mind that approaching the cooler part of the year, you are up to date with your health situation and can address any upcoming needs.