7 Safety Tips To Avoid Slips & Trips

With the cold weather starting to put in an appearance once again, it’s vital that you do all you can to keep yourself safe in treacherous conditions. This time of year, while beautiful, can pose a serious health risk, especially for people above a certain age who may be more susceptible to slips, trips and falls.

Interestingly, research shows that cold indoor environments can have an impact on physical performance and strength, particularly in older people who may be more frail. Reduced physical performance is an acknowledged risk factor for falls, so keeping the house warm at this time of year could prove beneficial in preventing accidents at home.

One of the best ways to prevent falls is to make sure that you always wear secure shoes that fit you well and aren’t loose. If you don’t want to wear shoes in the house, make sure that your slippers fit you properly and aren’t old or fraying. 

The same goes for socks if you’d prefer to wear those… just make sure that they’re the right size and not too big, with rubber grips on the soles and no excess material flapping around. You want to make sure that your feet are kept nice and warm during cold snaps, while not putting yourself at risk of falling.

Looking out for trip hazards can also make a big difference to ensuring safety at home, not just in the winter but at all times of the year. Places like the living room, where there are likely to be rugs, can be hazardous, so make sure that any carpets and rugs are well fitted to the floor, not rumpled or coming away at the edges.

Similarly, if you have a bath mat in the bathroom, make sure that it’s hung up or draped over the side of the bath so you don’t accidentally slip on it. 

You may also find that you want to keep the shower running for longer during the winter months, which can make these spaces incredibly steamy, hindering visibility, so always use the extractor fan to clear the steam quickly.

Staying active is another way you can help protect your health during the winter. It can be tempting to bunker down under a cosy blanket until the spring, but getting out and about will make you stronger and help maintain muscle strength, balance and flexibility, so you’re less likely to fall. 

Even performing small exercises at home can make a big difference in this regard, such as doing a series of toe raises while you’re doing the washing-up, or doing sit to stand exercises during ad breaks while watching TV.

By making a few simple changes at home, you may significantly reduce the risks of slips, trips and falls at this time of year. If you’d like any further help or advice relating to personal safety and how you can make home adaptations to further protect your wellbeing, get in touch with the Practical Bathing team today.