The holiday season is a special time to spend with family, friends and loved ones, but often the hustle and bustle of the season can pose difficulties for seniors. At FirstLight Home Care, we believe it is important to create a safe, comfortable and festive home environment for seniors.
Senior Comfort During Holidays
While the holidays can be a time of joy and celebration, they can also be somewhat challenging for the elderly as they often experience loneliness and isolation. Here are some ideas of how you can spread cheer with your loved ones this holiday season:
- Deck the halls with some of their beloved holiday decorations such as wreaths, garlands and ornaments.
- Set aside time to bake holiday cookies, candy or other seasonal favorites together. You can even do this virtually if you are not able to visit in person.
- Watch their favorite holiday movie. If you cannot be there, FirstLight Home Care Services can provide caregivers who also make great movie-watching companions.
- Drive through your neighborhood to take in some of the holiday light displays and decorations.
- Eat a traditional holiday meal together. Family recipes can evoke special memories from years past.
Importance of Holiday Safety for Senior Home Care
The holidays and winter in general can be a challenging time for seniors, especially those who require extra support at home. With festive decorations, cooking and entertaining, the risk of falls, fires and other accidents increases.
Reducing Fall Risks & Fire Hazards
Falls are a common occurrence in the elderly, and the holiday season can increase the risk of falls due to additional clutter, holiday décor, icy walkways and crowds. Avoiding falls during the holidays is important. To minimize the risk, ensure that your loved one’s home is free of clutter, that carpets are secured and slippery floors are cleaned regularly. Ensure that outdoor areas are free of ice and snow and that pathways are well-lit. To reduce the risk of fire, check that all electrical cords and outlets are in good condition, decorations are flame-resistant and smoke detectors are installed and functioning properly. Additionally, ensure the stove and oven are turned off after use, and never leave food cooking unattended.
Safe Holiday Decorations for Seniors
Holiday decorations can create a festive atmosphere that lifts spirits and brings joy. Consider senior-friendly holiday decorating that is safe for your loved one, including battery-operated candles and lights, shatter-proof ornaments and a flame-resistant artificial tree. Also make sure to limit the number of decorations that obstruct hallways and walking pathways.
FirstLight Home Care For Seniors
The holiday season can be overwhelming for older adults but taking the time to create a comfortable and safe environment for seniors can provide peace of mind for the entire family. As you prepare for the holidays, remember that a few simple adjustments can help make the season enjoyable for everyone. If you are a family caregiver and you need help tackling all the things that come with the holiday season, request more information about FirstLight Home Care services from your local office. Our extraordinary caregivers can provide companion care, respite care and elder care solutions at home, or in any setting, now and throughout the new year.