Preventing Falls - Helpful Gadgets for Seniors in the Winter

By Anna Hazard

View the Rest of the Series

Part 2: Keeping Warm
Part 3: Traveling
Part 4: Beating the Winter Blues

Introduction

The following items will help prevent falls to the elderly (the leading cause of death & nonfatal injuries to those age 65+) during the winter, when snow and icy conditions make even the slightest of trips far more common.
 
While falling presents an increased danger to seniors, especially to those with pre-existing health conditions, these items can be helpful to all ages during those cold, wintry months.

Ice Carpets

• Provides immediate traction on icy walkways and paths without having to resort to salt or other anti-icing chemicals. Note that the common style of Ice Carpet should be placed on top of the snow/ice/slippery ground for use and then taken back indoors for their next use (ie should not be left outside for the entire winter)
• Amazon.com | Google Shopping
  

Heated Stair Mats

• Unlike the ice carpets, these heated stair mats require electricity to work but are suitable for icy steps (or other particularly problematic spots) where carpets, salt, and other anti-icing devices may not be working in a timely manner.
• Amazon.com | Google Shopping
  

Ice Tips for Canes, Crutches, & Walkers

• These are specific tips made for the bottom of canes, crutches, and walkers that are specifically tailored to provide necessary traction in icy and snowy conditions. The style with automatic tip retraction can be used both indoors and outdoors while other varieties may require the manual removal or retraction of the ice tip when not is use.
• Amazon.com | Google Shopping | Fashionable Canes | Mobility Aids | Maxi Aids | Universal Ice Tip
  

Non-skid Shoes

• Shoes with proper traction for both indoors and outdoors is a must for seniors during the wintertime when falls become ever more prevalent. Here are a variety of additional treads, from those specifically tailored for the elderly to products meant for universal use in snow & ice, that can be added on to normal footwear to provide the needed greater traction.
• Yaktrax | Spiky | Maxi Aids Ice Treads | Amazon.com | Google Search
  

Wheeled Snow Shovels

• For many elderly, it's better to have someone else do the shoveling of ice & snow whether it be family, neighbors, or hired help, especially for those who have pre-existing heart, blood pressure, lung, or back conditions. If your senior loved one is of good health & still wishes to shovel their own snow, try the following wheeled products which reduces the strain and chances of back injuries due to their design.
  
• Wovel Snow Wolf | Snowbully | Vertex SnoDozer | Silver Bear