The Holidays are a time for celebration, family and joy. But, if you have an aging senior in your family then you may need to be extra careful during this holiday season. For seniors there are several dangers that can be found in the decorations and on the day of your family get together. A number of holiday safety issues should be considered whether your loved one lives alone or with a caregiver. While the holiday season should be a time for celebration, it should also be a time when family caregivers are on high alert for their loved ones health and safety. Family caregivers should be on the lookout for potential dangers or fall hazards that could be potentially dangerous to seniors. To stay aware this holiday season and to keep your elderly loved ones safe, read over the following tips.

Fire Hazards

Many holiday decorating ideas involve very combustible materials such as tissue paper and flammable cottons. These materials should be avoided in your home and in your elderly loved one’s home. If they cannot be avoided, then you should keep these materials away from bare electrical wires, fireplaces, or candles so that they do not become ignited easily. You also should buy artificial trees that are labeled as “fire resistant” and avoid real trees if possible. Real trees are at a higher risk of catching fire than artificial trees and should be avoided if you are worried about fire. In order to be prepared, you also should have an emergency fire plan in place for your and your elderly loved ones home. Having a smoke detector in each room of your home can be one of the best measures to prevent being hurt in a house fire. After this, you must also have a plan of action. Make sure everyone who will be in your home over the holiday season knows where to meet and what to do if there is a fire. Also, make sure you have at least one fire extinguisher in your home to combat small house fires.

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are the centerpiece of many Christmas events. They hold decorative and nostalgic ornaments that bring joy and happiness to your family. However, Christmas trees may also bring danger to your household. Real Christmas trees are at risk of catching fire far more easily than artificial trees. If you do get a real Christmas tree then make sure that you choose a live tree that has green needles that do not break easily. The tree should also be sticky with resin and only have a few loose needles. Real trees and artificial trees should be kept away from vents, radiators, fireplaces, and candles. If you have a real tree, you should also keep its stand full with water. Plus, for both types of trees you should only use flame-resistant ornaments.

Things to Watch For Indoors and Outdoors

Decorating for the holiday season is a time of joy that can really make your home look festive. However, holiday decorations may be a hazard to your loved one’s health. Here is a list of things you may need to watch out for indoors and outdoors.

Floor Arrangements

Some people set up elaborate floor arrangements in their home for Christmas. If you set up Christmas decorations on the floor this holiday season then make sure they are out of the way and in a place of your home that is not travelled often. Floor decorations may impede your elderly loved ones’ walkers or canes. They may also impede their ability to walk and may increase their chances of falling.

Floor Rugs

Floor rugs can be decorative and concealing. They can conceal electrical cords and can cause your loved ones to trip and fall. Floor rugs may impede your loved ones’ ability to walk clearly with a walker or with a cane. Plus, if they are concealing electrical cords, then they may be filled with bumps that could cause your loved ones to trip and fall.