Holiday Home Safety Tips for Seniors

During the holiday season, you may find yourself spending lots of time with your senior loved ones. It is also a perfect time to make sure grandma and grandpa’s house is safe. Whether your aging loved ones are living with you or alone, it is important to make sure they are celebrating safely. Although bright holiday lights and decorations are lovely, be sure to keep these tips in mind when aging loved ones are nearby.

Decorating Tips

Decorations are a huge part of the holidays, but they can also be a safety hazard if not used properly. If your loved ones are putting up holiday lights or other decorations, be sure to help them and keep these tips in mind:

Use battery-operated candles instead of real candles.

If you must use real candles, be sure to blow them out when you leave the room. This way, you won’t have to worry about your loved ones accidentally leaving them on and starting a fire.

Be careful with holiday lights.

Make sure that all of the cords are in good condition, and that they aren’t near any heat sources. If you have an artificial tree, be sure to use lights that are designed for trees.

Keep it simple! Use basic decorations that will not create clutter.

It’s important to keep decorations simple. You want to make sure there is lots of room to walk. This way, your elderly loved one won’t trip over any wires or decorations.

Keep extension cords away from any hallways and/or walking paths to protect seniors from falling.

Seniors are prone to falls, so it’s important to take precautions when using extension cords. Make sure they are hidden behind furniture, and that there are no loose wires lying around.

Do not use artificial snow sprays. Instead, use snow blankets.

If you want to add some winter cheer to your loved one’s home, avoid using artificial snow sprays. They can be very messy and can create a slip and fall hazard. Instead, use snow blankets. They are much safer and will keep your loved one happy during the winter season.

Safe Lighting Tips

Of course, the holiday season won’t be complete without plenty of lights. Make sure to use safe lighting tips when decorating your home. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Only use LED lights.

LED lights are more energy-efficient and safer than traditional light bulbs. Therefore, you must switch to LED lights if you want to reduce your energy consumption and minimize the risk of a fire.

Don’t overload outlets.

It’s easy to get carried away with the holiday spirit, but be sure not to overload your outlets. This can create a fire hazard and will definitely ruin your holiday cheer.

Make sure all areas (especially rooms seniors spend their days in) are properly lit.

Dim holiday lights are beautiful but can cover up fall dangers making it hard to see for seniors. Therefore, it’s important to make sure all areas are well-lit to prevent falls. 

Use nightlights wherever possible, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Nightlights are very helpful in terms of preventing falls as they provide a soft light that will help guide seniors around the house. Therefore, you need to make sure that there are nightlights in all areas where seniors spend their time.

Make sure light switches are visible and are easy to access.

You also have to make sure that light switches are visible and are easy to access. This is important, as seniors can easily become confused in the dark, and they need to be able to turn on the lights quickly and easily.

Christmas Tree Tips

Christmas trees are a huge part of the holiday season, and they can be a lot of fun to decorate. However, if you have seniors in your life, you need to be aware of the potential hazards that they pose. Here are safety tips you need to consider:

Turn off Christmas tree lights when not home or before bedtime.

It’s important to turn off the tree lights when you’re not home, or before bedtime. This will help to prevent any accidents that could happen if a senior were to trip over the cords. Plus, you are eliminating the risk of a fire starting if the lights were to be left on for too long.

Place the Christmas tree away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources.

Make sure to place the tree away from any fireplaces, radiators, or other heat sources. This will help to keep the tree from drying out and potentially catching fire.

Keep fresh Christmas trees watered.

A fresh Christmas tree needs to be watered regularly to stay hydrated. This will help to prevent the needles from falling off and the tree from becoming a fire hazard.

Place the Christmas tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doors.

You need to make sure that you strategically place your tree so that it is not in the way of foot traffic or blocking any doors. This will help to prevent accidents and injuries.

Inspect Christmas tree lights and cords before use.

Before plugging in any lights, make sure to inspect them for frayed wires or other damage. This will help to prevent a fire from starting.

Floor Safety

Most of the time, floor safety is the most important aspect of making sure that seniors do not trip and fall. You want to make sure that there are no obstacles in the way, and that all pathways are well lit.

Christmas is a time when many families come together to celebrate. It is also a time for plenty of fun activities, like playing games and opening presents. However, it’s important to remember that with all the excitement comes some added risks. By following these simple tips, you can keep seniors safe at home:

Keep floors clean and clutter-free.

You need to keep floors clean and clutter-free to make sure seniors don’t trip and fall. Pick up any loose items lying around, and put them away in a safe place. Make sure rugs are firmly secured to the floor, and that there are no cords or wires running across walkways.

Keep walkways well-lit.

It’s important to keep all walkways well-lit to prevent falls. If possible, install motion-sensor lights to make it easier for seniors to see where they’re going.

Keep outside sidewalks clear.

You also have to make sure that outside sidewalks are clear of any obstacles. In the winter, make sure to shovel snow and ice from sidewalks and driveways. In the summer, keep an eye out for things like potholes or cracked pavement.

If you are rearranging furniture, make sure everyone can move around it easily.

Usually, rearranging furniture is more common during the holidays because decorations take up more space. If you are rearranging furniture, make sure that there is still plenty of space for people to move around easily. This is especially important for seniors who may have mobility issues.

Use non-slip pads underneath rugs.

Rugs are a good way to add a bit of color or personality to a room, but they can also be dangerous. If they are not secured properly, they can slide around and cause seniors to trip. To prevent this, use non-slip pads underneath rugs. These can be found at most home improvement stores.

Considering these safety guidelines can help ensure everyone’s holiday celebrations are both happy and bright! At Eden Senior Care, we understand the special care seniors need during the holiday season in order to make their homes fun and safe. If you are interested in learning more about these home tips or if you are in need of senior living services, please contact one of our assisting living communities.

Nature’s Point, 320-258-7027

The Heights, 608-882-9995

Bella Vista, 920-393-9998

Mission Creek, 262-832-1020

Lake Shore Manor, 920-393-3871

Woods of Caledonia, 262-639-6015

Wolverton Glen, 920-745-1199

Eden Vista of Fond du Lac, 920-921-3993 

Hilltop Village, 440-420-3071

Woodside Senior Living, 440-298-8050

Related – Sleep Tips: 10 Steps To Sleeping Better