Winter home hazards checklist

Why do we fall?

As winter approaches and the days get colder and darker, the chance of falls increases. This can be due to wet and slippery surfaces when it snows or rains, reduced visibility as daylight hours are shorter, and reduced mobility because of the cold, making us more prone to accidents.

According to the NHS, around one in three adults over 65 will fall each year, a figure that rises to one in two for those over 80. These falls can have a dramatic impact on a person’s life, potentially increasing their risk for further falls and injury in the future.

Preventing slips, trips, and falls in winter

Falling doesn’t have to become “one of those things”; there are things you can do to help mitigate your and your loved one’s risk of falling at home. Our Winter Home Hazards Checklist contains tips and advice from our qualified team of Occupational Therapists for preventing slips, trips, and falls in winter.

Use it to assess your own risk or for whoever you’re caring for and make any necessary adjustments.

Are they getting up regularly?

Keeping mobile is vital in helping them reduce their risk of falls, as staying sedentary can stiffen muscles and joints and reduce their range of motion, making them more prone to falls.

Encourage them to get up regularly; this could be to make a drink (it is essential to keep hydrated), prepare food, or go to the toilet (they could try an activity tracker to remind them to move regularly or even use their mobile phone (if they have one) to set reminders)

Are they up to date with their eyesight checks?

Poor vision makes it more likely that they will miss potential obstacles. We should all get our eyes tested at least once every two years.

If they are unsure of when their last appointment was or have noticed a change in their eyesight, book an appointment with their optician for a check-up.

Have they been having regular falls?

Regular falls could indicate an undiagnosed medical condition or an issue with their medication.

• Book an appointment with their GP for a check-up and to discuss their recent falls and possible causes.
• Have they had a medication review recently? If not, request one with their GP to check what they’re taking and see if anything needs to be changed.

Are they concerned about dropping things when carrying them from one room to another?

If they’re feeling unsteady on their feet, carrying items from one room to another may feel like a daunting task.

• A trolley can help them transport things such as a drink or meals from one room to another.
• If they use a wheeled walking frame, why not add a caddy so they can carry items with them?

Are they getting up in the night?

Tiredness and poor lighting could increase their risk of falling.

• Motion lights can help light up dark spaces; they can be used on bed frames, and walls, or plugged into mains sockets, shining a light right when they need it.
• Using a bed lever can help support them while getting in and out of bed.

If you or a loved one are concerned about falling, speak to your GP or a healthcare professional who can offer advice and check for an underlying cause.

Complete Care Shop also offers a virtual home living consultation, during which a qualified Occupational Therapist will assess your or your loved one’s living environment to determine which products could help make life easier and increase independence. For any further information, browse our help and advice section or contact us.