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With holidays fast approaching, sprucing up your senior loved one’s living space is a great way to make them feel the spirit of the season. But without proper precautions, it could turn into a disaster instead. Elderly care professionals weigh in on how to keep seniors safe during this time of year.

How to Keep Holidays Safe for Seniors

1. Don’t Light Flames

The holidays are the perfect excuse to light up the fireplace and celebratory candles, burn Yule logs, or roast food in open flames. However, it’s also an opportunity to start a fire.

If your loved one wants a warm ambiance, use safer alternatives like battery-operated candles, electric fireplaces, or looped videos of burning logs. That way, you avoid the risk of burning something left unchecked. Instead of real pine trees, go with fire-resistant faux ones. They are virtually fuss-free and less likely to burn.  

2. Decorate With Care

elderly careWhen decking out their home, choose shatterproof decorations rather than crystal or glass ornaments. Hang these within arm’s reach so your senior relative won’t have to climb up chairs or ladders to touch them. If they want something placed higher, have the elderly care staff do it.

3. Check the Electrical System

Before plugging in lights, have an electrician perform a thorough inspection of the electrical system. Check the lights for signs of damage and the Underwriters Laboratories label to see if they’re safe for indoor or outdoor use.

4. Keep It Clutter-Free

Instruct the elderly care staff to keep the floors free of clutter as it can be a tripping hazard. If you use extension cords for the lights, move them out of the way of paths. Clear out enough space for your loved one to walk and move comfortably amidst the décor.    

5. Light Up the House Well

Holiday lighting is often dim or subdued, increasing your loved one’s risk of trips and falls. Fortunately, you can reduce accidents with a well-illuminated living space. Replace all burned out bulbs and install nightlights to serve as guides in the dark.  

 

Follow the above tips to ensure to help keep your senior loved ones safe. Protect them with reliable elderly care from Deer Valley Home Health Services. Proudly serving communities throughout St. Louis, MO, they’ve provided quality senior home health care and social services since 2005. Get in touch at (314) 355-3679 or learn more about this home health agency online.

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