One of the biggest challenges senior living facilities faces is maintaining a safe and clean environment year-round while still providing optimum care for their residents. The winter season can be one of the most challenging points in the year for these facilities to upkeep this crucial balance. This is in large part due to the drop in temperature, as ice and snow can be tracked inside by visitors and staff alike. Slippery floors and colder temps can place senior residents at risk for falls and illness.
Thankfully, these slips and falls can be avoided altogether by taking a few necessary precautions during the winter and the rainy season. With just a bit of ingenuity, senior care facilities can become even safer so residents can enjoy their golden years in comfort.
- Utilize signage and markers
One of the first steps in preventing an accident is being aware of your surroundings. When placing these indicators, be mindful of any other potential hazardous spots that need to be addressed by management. Drawing attention to the hazard and keeping residents informed can be enough in most cases to prevent falls in that area. Signage and markers should always be easily identifiable for residents.
In addition, areas frequently needing to be restricted due to dangerous conditions should be addressed immediately. Lobbies are one of the main culprits as this is where the most foot traffic is in the building with visitors as well as staff constantly coming and going. Signage should be clearly visible for those entering the building to take extra care in wiping their feet and shaking excess water from umbrellas before coming inside. The next tip provides one solution for how to reduce the amount of water and debris coming into the building that creates these conditions.
- Consider installing an entryway system at the main entry points of the building
When anyone enters the building, they track in with their debris, allergens, and even water creating a hazardous surface. It is important to keep in mind that what may be easy for you and I can pose a difficult obstacle for senior residents. One out of every three adults over sixty-five will fall in the United States, resulting in a public health and safety concern. This statistic grows more concerning as half of adults over the age of eighty will experience at least one fall in the calendar year.
Because of this growing concern, facilities should strongly consider installing entryway systems at the main entry points of the building. Examples of this would be in the lobby, back entrances, and frequently used side doors. Correctly designed and implemented entry can drastically reduce the number of debris and water entering the building. Providing residents, visitors, and staff peace of mind even during the worst weather.
- Be mindful of foot traffic
When it comes to creating and maintaining a safe environment, half the battle is knowing where the obstacles are. By identifying where foot traffic is the heaviest, facility management can stay one step ahead of bad weather by taking extra precautions in that building area. This includes having extra towels close by to dry floors quickly. This can also benefit the facility’s flooring longevity as now management knows which areas will need extra attention for cleanings.
With all this in mind, senior living facilities are ready for whatever the weather brings. By being mindful and aware, management can continue to maintain a clean environment for everyone to enjoy. Reach out to our team at Cubix, Inc. to learn more about how our services can help keep your building safe and healthy.
Travis Owens, the President of Cubix, Inc., has dedicated over 18 years to refining and leading the premier leader for commercial flooring services in Florida. Before taking the helm as President, Travis excelled as the Director of Operations, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer in commercial flooring consulting and solutions. A proud veteran, Travis honorably served 8 years in the Marines, exemplifying his commitment and discipline in all endeavors. Residing in Orlando with his family, he also indulges in his passion for culinary spices.
