By Dr. Macie Smith
As spring approaches and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time for seniors to enjoy outdoor activities again. However, before heading outside, it’s important to consider safety. Follow these essential spring safety tips to help seniors stay safe, active, and enjoy the outdoors with confidence.
1. Ensure Outdoor Safety with Handrails and Ramps for Seniors
Outdoor steps can be a challenge any day of the week. Make sure there are sturdy handrails within arm’s reach wherever steps are located. For a loved one who requires assistance with ambulation, you might want to consider having a ramp professionally installed and avoid taking the steps altogether. Another option is to place bright reflective tape or paint on the edge of the steps to draw attention to the edge to reduce the risk of falls.
2. Choose the Right Footwear for Safe Spring Walks
Focusing on your footing isn’t just something to do when taking the stairs. Look for outdoor-appropriate shoes that provide both comfort and grip when walking on sidewalks or paved paths. Inexpensive running shoes are a good option.
You may also consider shoes with Velcro as opposed to shoestrings. And hands free slip on sneakers is another great option since you can put on your shoes without bending down. Now that’s a win for all of us because we all know we don’t get up like we used to!
Once you’ve put on your shoes, also be sure to wear your PERS (Personal Emergency Response System) before leaving home. With a PERS handy, you’ll always have access to immediate support, no matter how far you go.
3. Outdoor Lighting: Key to Nighttime Safety for Seniors
Even though the days are getting longer, dimly lit pathways or staircases can present a serious risk after sunset. Be sure to install new light fixtures and replace old ones that might have burnt out during the winter months, so that you’ll have clear visibility when you go outside.
And if you ever have to go outside at night, you might consider investing in a wide beam LED flashlight. This type of flashlight will light up visibility not only directly in front of you, but on each side of you, as well.
4. Eliminate Dangerous Chemicals for a Safer Spring Outdoors
You would want to remove any dangerous chemicals and replace them with natural solutions that still can get the job done, but safely. There are many chemicals that are highly toxic and can cause dizziness and lightheadedness that can increase the risk for falls.
By checking off each item on this list, you and your older loved ones can spring safely into spring and make the most of the outdoors.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding other aspects of you or your loved one’s homes, SYNERGY HomeCare is happy to help.
Visit https://synergyhomecare.com/ or call 877-432-2692 to inquire about a free in-home assessment, where a professional caregiver can come to your home and identify its biggest hazards.
__________
SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, click here.
