Holiday Safety Tips for Seniors

November and December are the months that tends to be full of holiday activity and cheer. There are celebrations, music, decorations, meals with family and friends, and much more. This can be an exciting time for seniors and give them much to look forward to. As you get into the holiday spirit, here are a few ways to make sure you’re staying safe while having fun.

Make sure electrical cords are secured.

A lot of decorations have lights, which means they need to be plugged in. Be careful not to overload your outlets or surge protectors and to keep them tucked out of the way so they are not a tripping hazard. It can be easy to catch your foot or cane as you try to step over cords, which can cause you to lose your balance and fall.

Be cautious with candles.

Twinkling candles can be a beautiful centerpiece and help add a festive fragrance to the room. But they can also be a fire hazard if let unattended or placed too close to flammable objects. Opt for battery-powered candles instead that provide a similar effect but do not have real flames. Consider switching to a menorah with light bulbs for daily use. Air fresheners or diffusers can be used to provide a comforting scent.

Keep your tree watered.

If you decide to get a real tree to decorate, make sure you keep it hydrated. Check the water level regularly and add more as necessary so it doesn’t dry out. Dry trees can catch fire quickly. Selecting a fireproof artificial tree can be a safer option and eliminate the stress of having to remember to water it, clean up fallen needles, or dispose of it after the holiday season.

Pay attention in the kitchen.

It is easy to become distracted and forget that you have a pot on the stovetop or a dish in the oven. Or, to put down a potholder or paper towel too close to a hot surface. These are all situations that can escalate into kitchen fires. Stay in the kitchen when preparing meals and set timers to remind you to check on things as they are cooking or remove them from the heat once they are done.

Be mindful of décor.

It is always fun to decorate and make your home look festive, but be thoughtful about what you put up and where you place it. You don’t want countertops, tables, and other surfaces to become too cluttered where you could risk knocking something off. Place fragile items out of the way or consider replacing them with something that will not break as easily.

Avoid wrapping lights or garland around railings and grab bars that you use when going up and down the stairs or steadying yourself when getting up and down. These decorations can get in the way and keep you from maintaining a firm grip.

Celebrating the holidays, cooking meals together, and decorating with loved ones can be a great way to boost your mood and have fun, just make sure you are taking proper precautions to keep yourself and others safe. An in-home care provider can assist you with a wide variety of tasks and help minimize safety concerns. Learn more about the benefits of in-home care by contacting Always Best Care at (804) 368-3200 to schedule a care consultation.