Top 5 tips to staying safe during Winter and Spring

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With our weather fluctuating from snow to rain to sun all the while staying chilly, we want to share with you some tips to make sure you stay safe through both seasons!

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1. Ice, Snow and Rain: Driveways, sidewalks and steps can get slick and pose a serious falling hazard! To maximize safety, be sure that all pathways are shoveled, cleared or cleaned off. Even the pine needles when wet can cause us to slip and slide across the path. Be sure that you have rubber – soled shoes and new treads on your walker or cane. See walker replacements on our site: Replacement Walker Tips
2. Avoid Falls: Try and stay inside if you can when the weather gets really rough – make arrangements for a family member or friend to shovel/salt/clean your driveways and walkways. A professional caregiver might be able to assist in everyday chores like getting the mail or picking up groceries. Take a couple of minutes each day and be sure to stretch to loosen up your muscles. Wear non-skid shoes or boots when going outside. Make sure to clean up any water or outside dirt that could track inside. Check to be sure your rubber tips on your cane or walker are not worn smooth. See our website for replacement tips: Replacement Cane Tips
3. Dehydration: You might be especially prone to dehydration because you simply eat and drink less, thus consuming less water every day! Also people tend to feel less thirsty during the winter. A good tip to remember to drink water is set a timer for every hour and get a water bottle you can write times on. That way when the timer goes off you can drink enough to get to your next mark
4. Space Heaters: While these small portable heaters can provide much needed comfort, you need to make sure that they don’t become a safety hazard instead! Be sure to get one with a timer so that its not always running. Keep it away from all flammable material such as blankets or drapes. Double check to make sure your smoke detector is working properly as well just to be safe!
5. Disaster Kits: You always want to be prepared so make sure you have a kit in your home that will help you get through an emergency such as power outages that may last several days. Your kit should include food and water for several days (at least 3 gallons of water per person per day), a few days worth of medications (make sure they haven’t expired), a flashlight, a weather radio, extra batteries and first-aid essentials.