Fall Safety Checklist for Seniors at Home
As fall approaches with cooler weather, shorter days, and changing seasonal conditions, there are many opportunities for safety hazards for older adults. The increased wet sidewalk conditions, reduced daylight hours, cold temperatures, and the changed daily routine will all add up and make each of the normal day-to-day activities even harder than they normally would be. The month of September is an excellent opportunity for family members to review their homes and make them ready for the next few months. There are some very small changes that could allow older adults to remain safely independent in their own homes as well as feeling more comfortable, more confident, and more secure.
At Angel Care Inc. of Brooklyn, NY, firmly believe that the purpose of Home Care Services should be to provide our senior clients with the sense of security they need while allowing them to continue to live in the comfort of their own homes with the same routine they are used to.
Start With Fall Prevention
Falls may occur anytime throughout the year, however fall adds new risk factors. The earlier setting sun means less light in bedrooms, hallways etc. Rainfall and fallen leaves will also add extra slipperiness to outside surfaces.
Check inside your home that you have adequate lighting in all areas so you don’t trip. Remove any loose rugs, electrical cords, clutter, and dimly lit stairways as these will increase the number of potential hazards for falls. As with many parts of our homes, we need to pay particular attention to bathrooms due to water on the floor which is one of the most hazardous types of flooring to walk on.Some relatively simple modifications to improve safety include:
- Adding nightlights to hallways and bathrooms
- Secure or remove loose rugs
- Add non-slip mats in the bathroom
- Remove clutter from both stairs and hallways/walkways
- Increase lighting where needed in common use area’s
Although making some of these changes will help prevent falls it won’t decrease the comfortability or familiarity of living in the same home.
Prepare the Home for Cooler Weather
Fall temperatures in NYC can start changing fast. Seniors are likely more susceptible to cold (especially mornings and nights) than younger people. It makes sense to check your heat and ensure all windows and doors shut tight before the cold weather sets in. Your warm clothes, blankets, and shoes for comfort will need to be easily accessible. Shoes are a particular concern as we move into fall. Properly fitting, supportive shoes with traction on them will give seniors better balance while walking inside and outside of their homes.
Keep Medications and Important Information Organized
Seasonal changes may serve as an additional cue for families to assess daily routines. Families may want to verify that prescription refills are necessary; dispose of any expired medications; and ensure that medication directions are clear to read.
Family members will find it beneficial to store all essential contact information (phone numbers, addresses etc.) in a single location which is easily seen and accessed by others. The single area of storage should include but is not limited to:
- Family emergency contact numbers;
- Contact information about your caregiver(s);
- Phone numbers of doctors;
- A current medication list;
- Emergency contact lists.
The single area of storage can provide benefits to both seniors who live alone, as well as those receiving care from multiple family members/caregivers.
Pay Attention to Outdoor Safety
A nice autumn stroll can be among the most fun you have all year, which means that it doesn’t need to be avoided. The key is being mindful of changes in your environment.Fall leaves may be wet and while they are beautiful they also create an unsafe condition for slipping on a sidewalk. Daylight fades earlier as we approach winter months, creating reduced visibility. Older adults will want to select brightly lit paths, use proper footwear (shoes with good traction), and exercise even greater caution when walking up stairs or navigating uneven surfaces. If older adults experience limitations in their ability to walk, consider having them accompany by a family member, friend, or caregiver to enhance safety and enjoyment.
Make Support Part of the Routine
The first step to maintaining your health as you age is to create a healthy living environment. This is not limited to just keeping yourself safe; this is also about being able to receive support that will enable you to take control of your life if something happens. Having someone assist you with grocery shopping, running errands, cleaning your house, assisting you with daily care (bathing, etc.), or even helping you get out of the house for a walk can all allow an elderly person to remain independent yet avoid becoming burdened by simple day-to-day responsibilities.
You don’t have to change everything to prepare for the fall season. A brighter hallway light, a safer place for walking, a well-organized medication routine, and some additional assistance can all contribute to making the fall season easier for seniors and provide their family members with a greater degree of peace of mind.
The borough of Brooklyn has numerous opportunities available for older adults to become engaged in their community by staying physically active, learning about new things, and connecting with others that have common interests. Involvement as a member of a group or class may offer more than just something to do during one's leisure time; it can help provide a structured element in each week, promote physical activity, stimulate thinking, and allow older adults to establish relationships with other members. Many organizations throughout the area will be initiating their fall season calendars as September begins. Many community centers, public libraries, and organizations for seniors initiate fall seasonal calendars at this time. At Angel Care Inc., located in Brooklyn, NY, we feel that quality in-home care is about providing the tools to allow our elderly clients to continue doing the activities they love and participating in the community that means so much to them. Our caregivers can be responsible for offering social interaction and companionship as well as helping clients with getting dressed or assisting them in attending local events, classes and other social functions. Art and Creative Classes Creative activities such as painting, drawing, crafts, knitting, etc., are fun for people of all ages. A variety of these classes will allow our seniors to socialize in a non-stressful setting while allowing them to explore their creativity. In addition to creating something beautiful, many of our senior participants find that developing this creative activity becomes an enjoyable part of their week. While the finished product may be very rewarding, it's often the enjoyment of conversation, laughing with friends and feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment that bring the most value. Gentle Fitness and Movement Staying active doesn't have to be as strenuous as it may seem. Most of the programs that are designed for the senior population do include stretching, chair exercises, yoga, dance or simply some type of balance training. Group classes provide an additional motivational factor as well as social interaction by providing seniors with an opportunity to get out of their home regularly. Book Clubs and Discussion Groups For people that enjoy reading, history, news/current events, or just having good conversations, book clubs/discussion groups are one of many options for you to consider. Many libraries in Brooklyn, as well as various community organizations, offer some form of program (i.e. meeting) to allow members to express their opinions about books they have read, find new authors/ideas/styles etc. also provide opportunities for attending lectures, discussing other interesting topics with others. The overall benefit is to engage your mind while building a sense of community. Technology and Learning Classes Technology training programs for computer, smartphones, and the Internet give many older adults a sense of confidence when they are able to use these tools on their own. The knowledge gained from technology will improve your ability to complete tasks, such as communicate through video calls with family and/or friends, find the answers you need online, and keep in contact with others. Social Clubs and Game Groups Often times just spending time with others is the most enjoyable thing you could do. You have many choices for low-key socialization. For example, there are chess clubs, dominos players, card games, bingo nights, puzzle clubs, and even coffee clubs. All of these things give people a chance to get out of their homes and spend some time in a warm and welcoming setting. Additionally, for those living alone by themselves, going to a friendly place every week can be an important source of comfort. Spending time regularly with friends (or even strangers) will often make your daily routines more enjoyable and something to look forward to. While starting a new class, joining a new club or finding a group to meet once per week may not seem like a big deal, this is the first step in developing new relationships based on common interests; developing a sense of belonging; and becoming more involved in your community and ultimately leading to a more active and connected lifestyle.
September is an ideal month for seniors to rediscover Brooklyn on foot. While the sweltering summer temperatures will begin to dissipate, cooler breezes and improved air quality will make walking outdoors much easier. As well, as the first sign of autumnal colors appear in parks and gardens. A leisurely stroll through the streets of Brooklyn can be many things to a senior – including a form of exercise. However, it may also provide an opportunity for seniors to leave their homes (and/or nursing home) and take advantage of new surroundings while spending quality time with family members, friends, caregivers, etc. Brooklyn offers ample opportunities for seniors to experience a beautiful fall day without having to commit to walking long distances. Below are several locations that offer scenic walks during the fall season. Brooklyn Bridge Park The best location for seniors that are looking to walk and take in a view of water is Brooklyn Bridge Park. Seniors can walk at their own speed and take in views of the East River, Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. This area of the park is ADA accessible with many benches located throughout the park having back support and handrails which will make stopping and resting much safer and easier. (Brooklyn Bridge Park) Even a shorter walk with some time spent sitting down on a bench may be equally as satisfying as walking farther. Brooklyn Heights Promenade Just as some days need nothing but a little stroll for the soul. Brooklyn Heights Promenade runs from Remsen Street through to Orange Street and offers nice views of both the water front and the city of Manhattan. The short distance along this promenade makes it an ideal choice if you want to breathe in some fresh air, have a pleasant conversation and do not wish to spend all day outside. Prospect Park A traditional autumn atmosphere may be experienced by walking through Prospect Park's many wooded areas, wide open grassy spaces, a lake and so much to experience outside of your local Brooklyn neighborhood. The park features Brooklyn's only lake as well as the last remaining forest. There is no requirement that you have to see all of the park during just one trip. Choose a specific familiar section of the park and take a short walk around it if you prefer a shorter walk due to being an older adult. Brooklyn Botanic Garden A visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden would allow senior citizens that have an interest in walking through flowers and landscaped gardens to make a walk into a nice day of relaxation. The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens Visitor Center, café's, and gift shop are all wheelchair accessible. In addition to being physically accessible, the garden has many programs focused on providing access to people with memory loss or other cognitive challenges such as its Memory Tour program. This is a good option for a person that enjoys nature but may want less freedom of movement than they could get at a larger city park. Shore Road Park In the neighborhood of Bay Ridge, NYC parks' "Shore Road Park" has the combination of being in a park but also by the water as well as having some great views of the Verrazano- Narrows Bridge. NYC Parks says this spot is popular because of the sunset view and bridge views. (NYC Parks) The location would make for an excellent choice if you want a nice place to visit during a calm September day without feeling like you are on a tight schedule. A Comfortable Walk Is Better Than a Long Walk Not every outing has to be long. In addition to being aware of your senior's mobility, take into account the weather, seating options, shoes you are wearing (comfortable), and what amount of walking would feel reasonable for the senior on this particular day. Having someone accompany a senior can also help create a fun experience while making it less difficult. If the senior needs assistance with everyday tasks or just wants to enjoy their neighborhood, at Angel Care Inc. in Brooklyn we have caregivers available who will provide companionship and assist with daily living as needed so that the senior can continue to enjoy the things they enjoy. A simple walk, a great view from a favorite bench and a nice conversation could turn a typical Sept. day into something extraordinary.
