The Ultimate Guide to Senior Safety This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a magical time filled with family, friends, and festive cheer. But amidst all the fun, it’s easy to overlook simple steps that help keep our loved ones safe—especially seniors. 

At Always Best Care of Baton Rouge, we’re here to help make the season enjoyable and secure for everyone. By reducing clutter and avoiding slips and falls, you can create a safe and welcoming space for everyone to celebrate together.

Clear the Way for Holiday Joy

It’s easy for decorations, presents, and extra furniture to take over during the holidays, creating unnecessary hazards. With a little organization and thoughtful planning, you can reduce risks and keep the space safe for everyone. 

Here’s how:

1. Declutter High-Traffic Areas
   Start by focusing on spaces where people gather and move around the most, such as the living room, kitchen, and hallways. Remove extra furniture, oversized decorations, and anything that might narrow pathways.
   
2. Organize Wrapping Supplies
   Wrapping gifts is a holiday tradition, but leftover paper, ribbons, and scissors often get left on the floor, creating tripping hazards. Designate a table or corner for wrapping activities and keep all supplies in bins or baskets. Once you’re done, tidy up the area immediately to prevent items from scattering.
   
3. Tidy Up Electrical Cords and Decorations
   Festive lighting adds charm, but long cords can be a major hazard. Use cord clips or covers to secure them against walls or along the edges of the floor. Avoid running cords across walkways; tape them down securely to prevent accidental trips if needed. Similarly, position holiday decorations like inflatables or large figurines away from busy areas.
   
4. Arrange the Christmas Tree Thoughtfully
   The Christmas tree often becomes the centerpiece of holiday decor, but it can also pose risks if not positioned carefully. Choose a location that doesn’t block pathways or make the space feel crowded. If you have a senior at home, ensure the tree and its ornaments are stable and unlikely to tip over if someone brushes past.
   
5. Create Designated Zones for Gifts
   Piles of wrapped gifts can clutter living spaces quickly. Designate a specific area—perhaps under the tree or in a corner—for presents to keep them out of the way.
   
6. Revisit the Layout Regularly
   With guests coming and going, clutter can accumulate throughout the day. Take a moment each evening to straighten up and ensure that high-traffic areas remain clear.

Decorating Safely Without the Risk of Falls

Holiday decorations bring so much joy and festive spirit to the season, but it’s important to prioritize safety when setting them up. Thoughtful planning and precautions can help you avoid hazards while creating a beautifully decorated home. 

Here are some tips to decorate safely:

1. Secure Rugs and Mats Properly
   Holiday-themed rugs and mats can brighten up your space but become a slipping hazard if not secured. Use non-slip backing or adhesive strips to anchor them, especially on slick flooring like tile or hardwood. Avoid placing rugs in areas with heavy foot traffic unless they’re firmly secured to prevent accidental slips.
   
2. Use Safe Ladders or Step Stools
   Hanging garlands or placing ornaments on higher surfaces requires a little extra height. Always use a sturdy ladder or step stool with non-slip grips and wide steps. Check that it’s stable before climbing, and avoid leaning or stretching too far to reach your desired spot. If possible, ask someone to hold the ladder steady for added safety.
   
3. Place Decorations Within Easy Reach
   For seniors who love to help with decorating, make sure their tasks don’t involve climbing or overreaching. Assign them safe, ground-level activities, like arranging table decorations, stringing lights along windowsills, or hanging ornaments on the lower branches of the Christmas tree.
   
4. Be Mindful of Placement Around Stairs
   Decorations like garlands and tinsel can look beautiful on stair railings but may obstruct handholds if not placed thoughtfully. Keep decorations secure and ensure the railing remains accessible for safe use. Avoid placing anything loose or dangling that could snag or cause someone to lose their balance.
   
5. Ensure Stability of Hanging Items
   Wreaths, hanging lights, or large wall decorations need to be anchored securely to prevent them from falling. Use proper hooks, clips, or adhesives designed to hold the weight of these items. Double-check their stability before considering the job done.
   
6. Create a Tangle-Free Setup for Lights and Cords
   Untangling lights can be frustrating and lead to careless placement. Before decorating, organize your light strands and ensure they’re free of knots. This minimizes the risk of someone tripping over or pulling on loose cords while decorating.
   
7. Prioritize Safe Storage After Decorating
   Once all the decorating is done, store ladders, step stools, and unused items in a safe, out-of-the-way location. Keeping these tools and leftover decorations organized prevents clutter and avoids accidental trips during the holiday season.

Keep Floors Clean and Dry

Whether it’s from spilled hot cocoa or snowy boots tracking in water, wet floors are a common culprit for slips during the holidays. 

Place absorbent mats at entryways and encourage guests to remove wet shoes before entering. 

Clean up spills immediately, and consider placing non-slip mats in areas prone to moisture, like the bathroom or kitchen.

Rearrange Furniture for Accessibility

Big family gatherings often mean bringing in extra chairs or rearranging the dining table. 

Ensure furniture doesn’t block pathways or make it difficult to move around freely. 

Rearrange with accessibility in mind, leaving wide, open spaces for everyone to navigate comfortably.

Light the Way for Safety

Dim lighting can be cozy, but it’s not ideal for safety. 

Add extra lighting in dark corners or stairways to prevent trips or missteps. 

Battery-operated candles and LED string lights are a safer alternative to open flames and keep everyone glowing with the holiday spirit without the added risk.

Make This Holiday Season Safe and Joyful with Always Best Care of Baton Rouge!

The holidays are a time for family, laughter, and creating cherished memories. At Always Best Care of Baton Rouge, we help you ensure your senior loved ones stay safe and comfortable throughout the festive season. From reducing fall risks to providing extra support during gatherings, our compassionate team is ready to make your holidays stress-free. Contact Always Best Care of Baton Rouge at (225) 771-8605 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.