Tis the season for joy, togetherness, and… fall hazards for seniors. As the holidays approach, so do unique risks for falls that can make this time of year a little less merry for older adults. Festive lights, slick surfaces, and that extra holiday clutter can turn even familiar spaces into potential fall zones.
With gatherings, decorating, and cooking in full swing, it’s easy to let safety slide. But a safe holiday is a happy holiday! From creating clear walkways to securing outdoor spaces, there are simple steps to prevent falls and keep your holiday gatherings fun and secure. A Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can help you navigate these seasonal challenges, ensuring your space is as safe as it is festive.
Plus, there are steps you can take to create a fall-free holiday zone in your home. Keep reading for our top tips on fall prevention and making the most of this season safely.
Safety Challenges for Seniors During the Holidays
Winter brings its own set of seasonal slip-ups—slick sidewalks, damp entryways, and even fallen leaves. The festive season adds an extra layer of challenges for seniors, but a little foresight can go a long way. While the holidays are all about enjoying family, friends, and fun, it’s also crucial to keep safety in mind.
Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers are skilled at spotting risks and making spaces safer, but there are simple steps you can take too to keep your balance and your holiday cheer intact. Read on for our top tips on avoiding slips and stumbles so you can celebrate on solid ground this year.
6 Fall Prevention Tips and Strategies
Clear Out Clutter
Holiday decorations and seasonal storage items can clutter up your space, turning small items into tripping hazards. Take some time to tidy high-traffic areas and hallways. Keeping these spaces open and free from clutter ensures you can safely move around, and a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can help with rearranging items or storing decorations securely.
Stick to Simple Holiday Decorations
Oversized decorations are fun to look at but can quickly crowd your space and make navigation tricky. Opt for simple holiday decor that stays out of walkways and doesn’t block any entrances. When you’re ready to deck the halls, call on a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver to assist; they’ll help ensure your home stays safe, accessible, and easy to navigate.
Avoid Twinkling Lights
While twinkling lights bring the holiday magic, they can also cause visual distractions, making it harder to see obstacles in your path. Instead, consider steady lights that provide brightness without the flicker. Our caregiving team can help with placing lights to brighten areas where you need them most, ensuring your home is cheerful and safe.
Secure Extension Cords
Extension cords often come out for holiday decorations, but loose cords can be a tripping hazard. Tuck cords along the edges of the room or secure them with cord clips or tape. Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers are happy to help with arranging decorations safely, so you can focus on celebrating without worrying about hazards underfoot.
Step Away from Ladders and Stools
Ladders and stepstools can be risky for seniors, especially if you’re handling decorations alone. For holiday setup that requires height, ask a family member or caregiver for assistance. They can help hang decorations safely, and it’s the perfect time to chat about your upcoming holiday plans.
Keep Children’s Toys in One Area of Your Home
With grandchildren visiting, it’s easy for toys to end up scattered all over the house, creating unexpected tripping hazards. Designate a specific area for toys and ask family members to help keep it tidy. With the help of our in-home care services, you can ensure toys are stored safely, so you and your loved ones can celebrate without worry.
As the holiday hustle and bustle fill the air, keeping your space safe can help you fully enjoy the season with peace of mind. Clearing out clutter, simplifying decorations, and asking for help when needed are easy ways to safeguard against holiday falls. Plus, with a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver by your side, you’ll have an extra set of hands to handle decorations, secure walkways, and keep everything organized.
Taking these small precautions can lead to big rewards, allowing you to celebrate every moment of this holiday season safely and joyfully.