Older adults can be at higher risk for injuries at this time of year as they shop for gifts and decorate their homes. The holiday season is a time for celebrating with loved ones, not making trips to the Emergency Room! Here are some holiday safety tips that seniors and their loved ones can take to protect them from burns, falls, and electrical shocks.

Choosing the Perfect Holiday Christmas tree

Christmas trees are merry and bright, but they can also be fire hazards if they are not properly maintained! Help your senior pick out an artificial tree that is flame resistant to prevent risk of fires. If you do choose to set up a real tree, pick one that has green needles that don’t break easily and water it frequently. If many needles fall off when you shake the branches, the tree is dry and more likely to catch fire. No matter what type of tree you choose, make sure to keep it away from heat sources like radiators, stoves, and fireplaces.

Creating the Season of Light with Safety

Seniors should consider battery-operated candles this holiday season to prevent major fire risks. You can create a warm holiday ambiance with battery candles in the fireplace, which often come with a remote control! Before hanging holiday lights and illuminated decorations, check for frayed cords or broken bubbles. New LED lights burn cooler than standard bulbs, reducing the risk of fire. Always make sure that walkways are properly lit to prevent injuries. Subdued lighting can mask fall hazards and make it difficult for seniors to see around furnishings in the home. No matter what type of lighting you choose, make sure to unplug decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.

Safer Shopping

Seniors often have lots of people to buy gifts for and marathon shopping trips will leave them exhausted. Encourage seniors to start their shopping early and order those hard-to-find items online. When trips to the store are necessary, going earlier in the day will help avoid the holiday hordes. Also, remember that shopping is always nicer with a special friend or family member! Seniors appreciate having someone to carry bags and provide a supporting hand if they get tired. A mobility scooter may be beneficial for seniors who are unsteady on their feet or unable to walk around the store.

Final Thoughts

Following holiday safety tips for seniors can help bring a lot of joy and ease for them. It is also a time to take safety precautions in order to prevent electrical injuries and fire. Battery-operated candles, LED lights, and artificial trees create a festive mood with minimal safety risks for seniors. You can also make special memories by shopping with senior loved ones as they select the perfect gifts for everyone on their list. Mobility scooters allow seniors to conserve their energy during shopping trips and can help prevent them from falling. The HomeCare Hospital Beds Team has a wide variety of mobility devices to help seniors maintain their freedom and independence during this holiday season. For more information, call us today at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**