It is no secret that elderly people are more susceptible to falls. This is greatly increased during bad weather, especially during the winter months. There are, however, actions you can take to prevent them and help protect your loved ones. Our trained physical therapists are dedicated to helping you achieve a pain-free life.
Falls are scary and are difficult to prevent while they are happening. This is made worse during adverse weather. Here are some ways to prevent them:
1. Know your area
Being prepared is an important first step for preventing falls. If you know that certain sidewalks, streets, or other pathways are susceptible to being slippery it helps in preparing or avoiding them. Some communities may not plow streets as often or well as others. Or maybe there are areas that tend to ice over more than others. These are all things to consider during or before adverse winter weather.
2. Wear appropriate clothing
Proper attire while traveling and going out of the house is also an important thing to consider. This includes warm clothing, that is appropriately sized and does not drag on the ground. In addition, well-fitting shoes with a good grip on the bottom are paramount. Many falls occur due to mechanical and hardware problems. All of these are small simple preventative measures.
3. Ask for help
Whether it is a community program, a neighbor, or simply a friend, asking for help is one of the best ways to prevent falls and get a helping hand. Let’s face it, shoveling snow and salting sidewalks takes a lot of effort and time. This can be mitigated by asking others for assistance. Especially if family members are not able to do so.
4. Exercise caution
Getting in and out of vehicles is a vulnerable time. We often think more about where we are going and what we have to do, instead of focusing on what is around us. Paying attention and using caution when entering and exiting your vehicle is a good habit to have during the winter months.
5. Delivery services
For those with severely limited mobility, utilizing delivery services is a great option to avoid going out of the house when conditions are not ideal. Many companies offer same-day delivery whether it is for food, essentials, or other products. This is a great long-term or short-term option that limits the risks of falling outside.
6 Physical Therapy
In-home physical therapy is a great way to prevent falls and restore balance and strength. Therapists can make individualized treatment plans that address specific needs and concerns patients have. This is especially important during the winter months when people are inside more and are less active.
Conclusion
Fall risks are increased during the winter, but there are proactive ways to prevent them. Physical therapy is a great option. To learn more about the benefits of in-home physical therapy, call us today! 302-304-9729. You can also fill out our contact form. We would be happy to answer any questions. We see clients in New Castle County DE, Kent County DE and Delaware County PA.
In Delaware County, Pennsylvania, we serve Glen Mills, Boothwyn, Chester, Media, Newtown Square, Garnet Valley, Concordville, Aston, Broomall, Springfield, just to name a few.
Tags: Rehabilitation, Aches and pains, Nutrition, Opioids, chronic pain, Joint Pain, Physical Activity, Physical Therapy, physical therapists, Natural Treatment, physical health, Natural Pain Relief
