Fall prevention

Stay safe on icy roads.

Winters in Pennsylvania can mean slippery ice build-up and painful falls no matter how careful you are. However, you can follow these tips to stay safe and reduce your risk of incurring a painful or serious fall this winter:

• Wear boots or other slip-resistant footwear when walking outdoors.
• Take special care when getting in and out of a vehicle -- use it for support when standing up if you need to.
• Avoid slippery floors when you enter or leave any building.
• Avoid carrying items in your arms. It could reduce your ability to catch yourself if you lose your balance. Consider carrying a backpack instead.
• Stay away from black ice.
• If you come upon a slippery area, tap it with your foot first to see if it is safe to walk on.

Bathroom safety tips.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the bathroom is the most dangerous place in the home, especially for adults aged 65 or older.^1,2 But with a few simple changes, you can reduce the risk of falls and keep your privacy and independence. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Install grab bars and nonskid mats inside and outside your shower or tub and near the toilet and sinks.
• Use shower chairs and bath benches.
• Use a hand-held shower head that will allow you to sit while showering.
• Get into a tub or shower by putting the weaker leg in first. Get out of a tub or shower with your strong side first.
• Repair loose toilet seats and consider installing a raised toilet seat to make getting on and off the toilet easier.
• Keep your bathroom door unlocked while you are in the shower.

Sources:

1. Judy A. Stevens et al., Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, “Nonfatal Bathroom Injuries among Persons Aged ≥15 Years—United States, 2008,” June 2011. Accessed May 19, 2022.

2. Gwen Bergen et al., Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, “Falls and Fall Injuries Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years—United States, 2014," September 2016. Accessed May 19, 2022.