Colorful lights, ornaments, and festive decorations are some of the favorite parts of the holidays. However, all these extras can create some safety hazards for older adults with sight or mobility issues. Even favorite holiday foods need to be monitored if your senior loved ones have dietary restrictions. Aunt Ann’s Home Care encourages you to enjoy a safe and happy holiday with older adults in their home and yours with these simple safety tips:
Decorating:
- Use simple decorations that won’t cause clutter. Make sure there is plenty of room for the senior to walk.
- Make sure to keep extension cords out of the way to prevent tripping.
- Use bright centerpieces of fruit or flowers instead of candles.
Lighting:
- Make sure all areas of the home are well lit when seniors are visiting.
- Add a night light in the guest room, hallways, and bathrooms.
- Make sure light switches are easily accessible.
Foods:
- Keep candy and sweets to a minimum to prevent sugar highs and lows.
- Store sweet treats in cabinets instead of out in bowls to prevent over-snacking.
- Monitor alcohol intake or avoid it altogether as it can have unwanted reactions with a senior’s medications.
Click here for further holiday safety tips for seniors.
Take the opportunity this holiday season to evaluate any additional care needs that your senior loved one might have. For tips on how to open the conversation about in-home care or to learn more about home care services, contact Aunt Ann’s Home Care in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000.
