As frosty days close in and a fresh nip returns to the air, it’s time to brace ourselves for the chillier months once again, and get sorted for a season that comes with its own unique set of risks and challenges. Winter can be a tricky time for some seniors, when less than ideal road conditions, wet weather, and heating appliance hazards can combine to create an unfortunate mix of seasonal pitfalls. The good news is, with a little bit of preparation these risks to seniors can be minimised – making for a safer, happier, and healthier winter. And if things do go a bit pear-shaped, those with a medical alarm device like those offered by Freedom Medical Alarms can quickly and easily get the emergency help they need.
Slips and trips
While being aware of trip hazards in your own home and the places you regularly visit is perennial good advice for those of a certain age, it’s particularly important in winter. As rugs come out and wet leaves build up on the garden path, it can be helpful for seniors to take a moment or two to consider how they can minimise the risk of falls during day-to-day routines. Here’s a couple easy ways for older Kiwis to stay slip-wise this winter:
- Spruce up the yard and garden: Fallen sticks, moss, and sodden leaves can end up clogging footpaths when winter squalls bring down debris and rainy weather makes yard work less appealing. This debris lends itself to slips and trips, so keeping on top of lawn and garden maintenance can make a genuine difference to safety on your property. Freedom Medical Alarms’ in-home alarm system is designed to work all around your section, so you can still get help at the touch of a button if you run into trouble while out in your yard.
- Non-slip mats and rugs: Whether it’s hallway runners, throw rugs, or bathmats, it pays to investigate non-slip solutions for these potential trip hazards. Rug pads are an easy fix that can make your house that much safer over winter – check which type works best for your floor: felt pads are cushiony and dense, while waffle-style rubber pads are thin and can easily be cut to size. Extra rugs are often brought out to battle the winter chill, so this is the perfect time to make sure everything is secure.
Stay warm, stay safe
Everyone loves keeping cosy during winter but many of the ways we heat our homes come with their own risks to watch out for. Keeping warm and dry is important for both comfort and physical health: stay warm and safe this season with these simple tips – just a couple easy changes can make all the difference.
- Safe spacing for heat sources: Whether you’re using a gas or electric heater, or even a fireplace or wood-burning stove, always keep your heating solutions at least a metre away from furniture, appliances, clothing and other items. It pays to exercise even more caution if you’re heading to bed or popping out of the house for a bit. Consider putting your heating appliance on a timer or use a thermostat.
- Electric blanket safety: Check electric blankets before using them each season: this can be done by laying them flat and turning them on for 15 minutes. If there are any hotspots, this indicates potential faults that could lead to fire or electrocution. You can also get your electric blanket assessed by an electrician or a test and tag company if you want extra reassurance. No matter how tempting it is, don’t leave electric blankets on while you’re in bed – use them for pre-warming only, as overnight use can lead to life-threatening overheating, particularly for seniors.
On the road
With more rain, ice, sleet and even snow to deal with on winter roads, there’s no question that driving during the colder months can present some seasonal challenges. Thankfully, with a handful of sensible precautions it’s possible to reduce the risk of accidents even as the weather gets colder. If the unexpected does strike when you’re out and about, having a device like the Freedom Medical Alarms GO Pendant can ensure you reach help fast, from anywhere with 4G cellular reception.
- Lights on: As the days get darker maintaining good visibility on the road is crucial, particularly when eyesight may be weaker than it once was. One of the easiest ways to make sure that you can see what’s coming, and that other drivers can see you, is simply by turning on your headlights. Even during the day, the shine of headlights can make a crucial difference in whether you’re seen.
- Increase following distance: When roads are wet or icy, it takes even longer than usual to reduce your speed. Arguably one of the most reliable ways to minimise your winter road risk (aside from reducing speed in general) is increasing your following distance to the vehicle in front of you. This gives you more time to respond to developments on the road ahead: sometimes a few extra seconds is all it takes to avoid a serious incident.
Whether it’s the depths of winter or the long bright days of summer, Freedom Medical Alarms is working all year around to help Kiwis nationwide find peace of mind and emergency assistance when they need it most. If one of your patients could benefit from the security of a medical alarm, referring them to Freedom Medical Alarms for an alarm system that’s often fully funded is quick and easy. Get in touch today to learn how we can help your patients or loved ones today.