Tips To Safely Decorate Home During Holidays For Seniors

Some of the best parts of the holiday season are spreading joy, celebrating traditions, and spending quality time with loved ones. Be it any occasion, decorations are often a large part of the celebration and no celebration is complete without decoration. 

However, these decorations can sometimes become hazardous to seniors. It is because as seniors age, they might not be as mobile or strong as they used to be. Seniors decorating the home all alone might not be safe for them. 

Seniors need to be mindful of falls and injuries while decorating this holiday season. So, here are some decor items that might increase the risk of falls or injuries to seniors. 

Decor Items Increasing Risk Of Falls Or Safety Hazards 

Lights and hanging decor 

Decorating for Christmas can be a hazard for seniors, especially when it involves climbing ladders or using disorienting lights. To prevent accidents, seniors should ask for help or hire assistance when hanging lights in hard-to-reach places. 

Additionally, using steady and non-distracting lights is recommended to avoid disorientation, which is crucial for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia during the holiday season.

Fire hazards 

Some most common flammable items in the holiday decor are tissue paper, lights, and candles. The best way to prevent accidents is to ask seniors to follow manufacturer instructions. Also, before seniors use lights to decorate, ask them to inspect lights for damage and replace any faulty parts. 

Floor decorations 

Another fun addition to the holidays is floor decorations such as trains, rugs and other knick knacks. These are good for decorations but can increase the risk of falls. Make sure that all decor should be placed out of major walkways. When assembling the floor decorations, leave space for walkers and the number of people you’ll be having at your home during the holidays. 

Christmas tree and gifts 

For seniors, maintaining a real Christmas tree can be overwhelming and pose a fire hazard. Opting for a fake Christmas tree that can be reused for years and comes in different sizes can be a safer choice. To prevent trips and falls, it’s advised to store gifts away from high-traffic walkways, considering the weight and ease of handling for seniors. Using shatterproof ornaments can also help prevent falls and injuries during the holiday season.