It's that time of year again! The holidays are here, and with them come all kinds of fun family traditions: decorating the tree, baking holiday treats, watching holiday movies and more.
For many families, seniors play a big role in these traditions. But when it comes to decorating for the holidays, it can be tough to know how to make things safe but still enjoyable for all.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, close to 160 people were injured each day while putting up holiday decorations in 2019, so it’s imperative to keep safety at the top of your mind, particularly if you are decorating with an elderly parent or family member.
In this post, we’ll share some tips for decorating safely and happily with seniors. So read on, and get ready for the festive season!
6 Tips for a Safe Holiday Decorating with Older Adults
Choose decorations that are lightweight and easy to hang
To prevent injuries when holiday decorating with seniors, opt for lightweight and easy-to-hang holiday decorations.
Paper lanterns and wreaths, for example, are very light and can be hung with just a bit of tape.
Tinsel garlands are also quite light, and they can be draped over stairway railings, fireplace mantels, doors, or windows with ease.
Heavy, oversized decorations, such as figurines and statues, will make it harder for your elderly family member to put up. They also significantly increase the risk of back injuries and falling.
In the case that your elderly need to use a ladder to hang garlands or other ornaments, be sure to have someone hold the base of the ladder steady and have them wear non-skid shoes to avoid slipping. Also, pay close attention to them in case they lose balance.
Avoid using sharp, breakable ornaments that could potentially cause injuries
Your elderly family member can accidentally cut themselves with sharp ornaments, and these cuts can increase the risk of more serious health issues since aging skin tend to be more fragile and need a longer recovery period.
So, it's always best to avoid using them altogether. Instead, opt for softer, rounder decorations.
There is also a myriad of shatterproof holiday ornament options made of durable plastic that are as bright as traditional glass ornaments but designed to withstand impact.
So you can still have that sparkling, shiny look for your holiday decorations without having to worry about them breaking.
Make sure all cords and wires are out of reach and hidden from view
Falls are the most common cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in seniors, with around three million aging adults treated in the emergency room for fall-related injuries each year.
Holiday lights and cords can pose a tripping hazard, and if your aging parent is using a cane or walker, the risk will be greater.
So ensure all electrical cords and wires are secured from walking paths when your senior family member is around. You can tuck cords behind furniture or use them to create corded borders around holiday displays.
Read also: Tips to Prevent Falling at Home for Seniors
It will also give your holiday decorations a neater and more polished appearance. It's also a good idea to inspect all cords and wires before using them. Look for any frayed or damaged areas, and replace them if necessary.
Use ornaments with contrasting colors that are easy for seniors to see
People’s vision declines as they age, and so does their contrast sensitivity. Aging eyes have difficulties distinguishing certain color combinations, such as green and blue, making these colors look the same. Pastel colors also appear white to older adults.
So, it’s best to decorate your home for the holidays with contrasting colors, such as a combination of white and black or red and green, so that your aging adult can still enjoy the festivities despite their decreasing visual capabilities.
These colors are vibrant and stand out against most backgrounds. They also work well together, creating a cohesive and visually appealing holiday display.
It will also be easier for them to notice, which helps prevent tripping. You're sure to create a holiday display that your aging adult will love.
Make sure there is plenty of lighting so seniors can see well
In addition to using contrasting ornaments, you also need to ensure seniors can see well while they are holiday decorating by providing plenty of lights.
Seniors need at least 50% more light than people of younger age groups to see comfortably because their eyesight isn’t what it used to be.
This means turning on all the lights in the room, including floor lamps and overhead lights, if you are decorating in the evening, or opening window blinds to let the sunlight in during the day.
If you need to use candles, always place them where they cannot be knocked down easily and away from a tree or other paper decorations.
Keep a close eye on the elderly loved one when they are decorating
Last but not least, it's important to always keep an eye on an elderly family member when they're putting up holiday decorations. Let them take breaks regularly and offer assistance when necessary.
While it’s important to have some safety precautions in mind when holiday decorating with the elderly, don’t let that spoil the fun!
With a few simple tips above, you can make your holiday decorating this year both safe and enjoyable.
Read also: Best Holiday Gifts for Older Adults
And if you need a professional in-home caregiver in Acadiana and surrounding areas to assist your elder adult with personal care, companionship, transportation, or other home care services, contact Home Instead today!
Our expert care will work with you to craft a personalized care plan to meet your needs so that you can focus on having a good time with the entire family this holiday season.
