When we think about slipping or falling over during winter, we normally associate the risks with being outside.
While it can get very slippery outdoors, we often bring in water, snow, and ice on our feet with us when we return home. This can quickly make the indoors equally as slippery.
Cold weather can also stiffen joints, and poorly lit homes can be hazardous due to the lack of external light during winter.
Thistle Help has put together a guide to help people with mobility challenges prevent falls and slips during the coldest months of the year.
Keep Entryways Clear and Dry
As we touched upon in the introduction, when snow and ice are tracked indoors, they can melt quickly, make floors slick, and dramatically increase the risk of falls.
We recommend putting down sturdy and absorbent mats outside and inside all entrances to help catch moisture before it reaches the main floor.
On top of that, ensure that you shake out or replace wet mats throughout the day. A shoe bench will help you keep shoes right next to the door, further reducing the chance of the outdoor elements causing indoor hazards or of you stumbling over shoes scattered across the floor.
Improve Indoor Lighting
Daylight hours are shorter during the winter months, and dim lighting can make it harder to notice wet floors, clutter, and uneven surfaces.
If you have mobility challenges, good lighting can really help you out. While any brighter light will help you see better, consider LED bulbs, which are not only bright but also very energy efficient.
Consider putting night lights in bathrooms and bedrooms for better visibility when it’s dark outside, which will be most of the time during the winter!
Motion-sensor lights are another useful idea, as they will automatically light up a room as soon as someone steps foot in there, illuminating it clearly.
Use Proper Footwear and Make Assistive Devices Safe
Footwear is key when it comes to maintaining balance and avoiding falls. For those with mobility challenges, don’t walk around indoors in socks, as they can slide. Instead, wear shoes or slippers that feature non-slip soles. This will help prevent slipping inside.
Additionally, if you use mobility walking aids, make sure that they are fitted with rubber tips or ice attachments. They will help improve the equipment’s grip on slippery surfaces.
Have these aids checked regularly to ensure that they are in the right condition.
Remove Clutter From Pathways and Living Areas
A tidy home environment will massively help you reduce the risk of falls. This is particularly relevant in the winter, as heavy clothing and stiff joints can limit mobility more so than during hotter parts of the year.
Removing shoes, cords, and small rugs can create a clearer, wider path for safe movement. Lay furniture out strategically to make it easier for you to navigate around.
Secure loose carpets with non-slip backing or remove them altogether. Keep essential items within reach to prevent overreaching or bending, which can cause balance issues.
Conclusion
Winter presents challenges for those with mobility challenges. However, many people only focus on outdoor concerns.
While external risks are definitely present when it’s cold, the internal ones are commonly overlooked. However, it is important to put in place strategies to prevent slipping at home.
If you need further advice, please get in touch. Did you find this piece useful? Check out more of our guides here.
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