The warm weather is calling you and your elderly loved one to step outside and enjoy the sounds of birds singing, the smell of freshly cut grass, and the beauty of blue skies. After a tough winter, it’s the perfect time to relax in the yard or on the porch. But before venturing out, it’s important to consider senior fall risk management services. Are your outdoor spaces safe and ready for your loved one to enjoy without worry?
Winter Weather Can Wreak Havoc and Create Falling Dangers
Just like you spring clean your home every year, it’s important to assess your outdoor spaces before hosting any warm-weather activities. Take time to review the area and address any issues that could increase the risk of trips or falls for your elderly loved one.
Senior fall risk management starts with identifying hazards caused by winter’s cold temperatures, snow, and ice, which can damage sidewalks, stairs, and other surfaces, making them unsafe for those with balance issues or a higher likelihood of falling.
Five Outdoor Areas to Review for Safety
Sidewalks and Walkways
These areas can easily become damaged during the winter months, with areas wearing away and creating uneven surfaces to walk on. Cracks can occur, making parts of the pavement rise up and creating a tripping hazard. In the spring, weeds may try to grow on the walking path, also leading to possible tripping hazards.
The Lawn
If your loved one has to walk across her yard without a walking path to get to an area, it’s important to make sure that the lawn is free from any big divots or holes that could have been created by critters seeking to make it their home. A plush lawn is beautiful but can also easily hide any elevation changes, making it easy to stumble while walking across the area.
Staircases
Outdoor stairs should be reviewed for safety. Make sure railings are still secure and that the stairs didn’t sustain too much damage over the winter. Some outdoor stairs that get slippery in the rain can benefit from having non-slip mats installed.
Lighting
If your loved one enjoys using her yard or outdoor living area at night, make sure all of her lights are working well. Stairs, walkways, and sitting areas should all have adequate lighting so she can see where her feet are landing as she walks.
Outdoor Furniture
Review all furniture to ensure it’s still in good shape to support your loved one when she sits down and gets back up again.
Senior Fall Risk Management Can Help You Find Trouble Spots
If you’re not sure what to look for, or if you are looking to have a review of both the inside and the outside of your home for safety issues, having a senior fall risk management team visit your home is a good way to proactively take care of dangerous areas before your loved one falls.
A senior fall risk management provider can review each area of your home – both inside and out – and recommend solutions to reduce the risk of your loved one falling and injuring herself. They are trained to see potential problem areas that you might not have thought of, thus giving you the best safety advice to prevent your loved one from falling.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Fall Risk Management in Menlo Park, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care today at (415) 463-1400
Aviva In-Home Care provides exceptional senior home care in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, and surrounding areas.
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