Preventing Falls in and out of The Home This Autumn
Where has this year gone?
As we head into Autumn, we also head into a “new normal”. Masks in shopping arcades, social distancing on public transport and queueing to get into supermarkets.
Although none of us know what the future holds, however, one thing has always remained constant. The changing of the seasons.
With leaves turning golden-brown, the air beginning to get crisper and the nights starting to draw in Autumn can be one of the most beautiful times of year. However, it does have its dangers. We’re all prone to slipping over once in a while, but during Autumn those wet leaves can jump up out of nowhere! But what should you do if you do fall?
The NHS recommend it’s important to keep calm. Equally, if you feel that you’re able to get up, you shouldn’t do so too quickly. Roll on to your hands and knees and look for something stable to hold on to. When you feel ready, slowly get up.
If you’re unable to get up, try to get someone’s attention to help you up. Once you’re stable, put something warming over yourself, but particularly your legs and feet. If you’ve been out and about, once you get home, stay as comfortable as possible and try to change your position at least once every half an hour or so.
Preventing falls in the home
It’s not just outside where we slip and trip on wet leaves, tree roots and uneven pavements. Although most falls don’t cause a serious injury, according to the NHS around one in three adults over 65 who live at home will have a fall at least once a year.
But what can you do to help prevent having a fall?
A number of simple measures can be employed around the home to prevent falls.
- Using non-slip mats in the bathroom
- Preventing wet and slippery floors by mopping up spills
- Making sure your hallways, staircases and any passages are well lit so you can see where you’re going
- Keeping the home tidy and free of clutter which may cause you to trip
- Getting help moving or lifting items which could be awkward to move or heavy
You could go for an eye test even if you already wear glasses – just to make sure your eyesight is up to date. Age UK have a number of tips for making your home safer so you won’t have to worry about tripping up. You can read about those here.
It’s particularly important to keep alert for any potential trip or slip hazards in wet or cold weather. However, if you want to be able to get out and enjoy the beauty of the season whilst still feeling stable and secure, you might consider renting a mobility scooter until the weather gets a little better.
Mobility scooters are an ideal way of exploring the great outdoors. Many are able to be dismantled and easily stored, whilst other
s can transport you at speeds of up to 8mph.
If you’d rather take things at a slower pace, you might consider hiring a walking aid. These aids, such as a rollator or a walker wheelchair, allow you to lean on the handlebars whilst pushing them, giving you increased stability.
Some, such as the walker wheelchair, also have a seat built in so you can stop and have a breather if you get tired of walking.
Whatever you get up to this autumn, we hope you stay safe and secure whether you’re out admiring the changing of the leaves or wrapped up with a cuppa in front of the fire!
