‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings. Gatherings require preparation, and you might instantly be thinking about food and decorations. But one thing that is often forgotten in the preparations is fall prevention – especially for elderly guests. With that in mind, we’ve put together some holiday home safety tips for seniors.
5 Ways to Make Your Home Safer This Holiday Season
1. Remove Throw Rugs
Throw rugs are a trip hazard that few people think about. Not only are the edges often a hazard, but also throw rugs often bunch and wrinkle. Those wrinkles pose a significant threat to elderly people who tend to shuffle as they walk.
2. Be Mindful of Pets
Pets can be unpredictable; especially when guests are entering your home. Older people often have reduced balance, and it doesn’t take much for falls to happen. With that in mind, a dog who is excited to greet guests can easily become a trip hazard as your guests make their way into your home. It’s a good idea to put your dog into a closed room or crate during guest arrival and departure.
3. Make Sure Your Home is Well Lit
While low lighting makes for stunning ambiance during the holidays, it can also make it difficult for elderly people to navigate your home safely. One of the most common causes of falls in homes is poor lighting. This is because lighting is crucial for balance, especially for older people whose eyes aren’t as strong as they once were.
4. Don't Forget the Outside of Your Home
5. Declutter
Make sure all walkway areas of your home are clear of items that could become trip hazards. This could include decorations, children’s toys, and pet toys.
The Takeaway
A small amount of preparation can have a huge impact on the safety of your elderly guests this holiday season. Do what you can to prevent falls so your loved ones don’t start the new year with a preventable injury.
For more general fall prevention tips and for facts on senior falls, visit https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/index.html
One Response
Great reminders – for the holidays and all year around.