Now that Winter has become a part of our reality in the Halton region, taking time to make smart and safe choices can mean the difference between an accident-free season or catastrophe. Below-freezing temperatures can create potentially dangerous situations for many people in our community, especially if you have a disability.
International Day of Disabled Persons
December 3, 2016 was the official International Day of Disabled Persons. We celebrate our loved ones and neighbours every day, but it’s nice to have a day for the World to rejoice in positive messages and to raise awareness of the significance of creating a barrier-free and non-judgemental environment for people with disabilities.
Winter Chores and Injuries
While we know that a disability is by no means the way we define our personalities or what we can accomplish in the larger sense, we’d like to reach out to our community to ensure everyone has a safe, and injury-free season! Winter presents these challenges to everyone, including those of us without mobility issues.
Last month, we shared a post about trips and falls in honour of Fall Prevention Month (November 16, 2016) but we feel that the topic is worthy of another mention now that ice and snow are covering our sidewalks and roads. Fall prevention during the Winter is a priority, as well as safe snow removal techniques, which include warming up your muscles by stretching.
Tips for shoveling snow safely
Extreme Cold for Seniors
If you’ve lived through a couple of winters in Canada, then you understand the importance of proper protective outerwear and footwear. If you’re new to our community, please read THIS.
Seniors who live alone are especially vulnerable because if they have an accident, they may not get help as quickly as they should.
Having a plan, such as trusted caregiver services, or access to the very useful Connect Care devices that the Oakville Hospital offers, can help keep you or a senior you know safe.
How can Milestone Health Services Halton Help?
Our team at Milestone Health Services Halton recognizes that someone who has a disability such as arthritis, permanent damage caused by an injury or accident, or a congenital disease, may need some extra help doing some things that would normally be manageable in milder, less temperamental weather.
While you can ask your neighbour or family for help clearing your walkway, Milestone Health Services Halton can also help you:
- research and hire the right maintenance company to remove the snow and lay down salt.
- connect with your municipal government services that may offer some assistance to seniors, such as the Town of Oakville’s Driveway Snow Windrow Clearing Services Program which charges a minimal service fee
- match you with a caregiver who can accompany you on outdoor excursions
Contact Milestone Health Services Halton for a complimentary in-home assessment at 1-888-509-9394 or 905-864-9020. You can also use our online contact form.