Everyone loves a white Christmas, but winter also increases the opportunity for accidents, especially among the elderly. Companion care decreases the chances of sustaining an injury since seniors have someone to look out for them and assist with difficult tasks. There are several additional ways you can keep your loved ones from getting hurt unnecessarily this season. The following guide outlines the most common injuries elderly persons experience during the holidays and how to avoid them.

What Kinds of Injuries Do Seniors Sustain In Winter?

1. Slips & Falls 

Each year there are 36 million falls reported among seniors. These scenarios are exacerbated when the ground becomes slipperier with ice and melted snow. Walking slowly with knees bent, taking short steps, and relying on companion care for even short walks outside can help prevent your elderly loved one from experiencing dangerous falls.

2. Back & Neck Injuries 

Whether you are reaching to put up decorations, carrying a heavy box, or shoveling snow, improper form can lead to back and neck injuries among seniors during the holiday season. These types of injuries can be debilitating and impair mobility, making it difficult to enjoy company or navigate around the house easily. Delegating more strenuous tasks to a relative or caregiver and being very conscious of bodily movements will help prevent overexertion.

3. Kitchen Burns 

The holidays typically involve cooking old family recipes for your nearest and dearest. However, 61.5% of all burn injuries are the result of seniors cooking at home. Contact with hot surfaces, like the stove, oven, or pot of boiling water, can cause harmful skin injuries. Using the back burners, wearing short sleeves or tight clothing, and asking for help in the kitchen are ways seniors can protect themselves from accidents.

If you have a loved one who could benefit from in-home or companion care, trust the compassionate team at Coulee Region Adult Day Center in Onalaska, WI. This organization boasts 17 years of experience caring for the elderly and individuals with disabilities, and their staff is dedicated to helping you manage the needs of your loved one. They also offer respite care and an adult day center for additional convenience. Visit the website or call (608) 519-2306 to find out more about their extensive services.