Wear the right shoes indoors
ACCORDING to Age UK, every year around one-third of people aged over 65 will fall. Falls account for more than four million hospital bed days each year in England alone. They destroy confidence, increase isolation and reduce independence. So what can you do to reduce the risk of a fall this winter? Research shows that falls in the home are often the result of wearing loose, worn or backless slippers that don’t fit properly or offer enough support. doing barefoot and wearing socks or hosiery without shoes are other common causes of falls, so wearing the right sort of footwear indoors is vital. When choosing slippers, it’s important to look for ones that are supportive and secure around the heel. A strong selcro fastener on the front is also recommended to ensure that the slipper won’t slip off. If someone has restricted mobility, it’s helpful if the slipper has a wide opening so that it is easy to get the foot in and out. If you have very wide or swollen feet, don’t make the mistake of buying a bigger size to get the extra width you need. This can result in slippers that are far too long, which can cause you to trip. It’s worth searching online for retailers that specialise in footwear for extrawide or swollen feet. And you may also find that your doctor or podiatrist can recommend an appropriate retailer.