28

Nov
2018

Keeping the Elderly Safe During and After the Holidays

November 28th, 2018 | by admin admin | in Safety Advice |    0   

The holidays can be a busy and stressful time of year. It is important during all of the seasonal goings-on to remember that we may have to take extra care to keep our elderly family members safe around the holidays.

Make a habit of regularly checking in with your loved ones to make sure they aren’t becoming overwhelmed with the holiday schedule. This time of year can exacerbate confusion, especially for those who may be experiencing dementia or Alzheimers. Ensuring that your loved one feels calm and comfortable with the holiday activities will help to ensure they are not stressed – unnoticed stress can have a strong impact on their wellness.

Also, be aware to make sure that decorations are safe and secure in your loved one’s home. Ensure that their Christmas tree is strongly secured in its base and won’t topple over. Encourage the use of electric warmers or flameless candles rather than traditional candles – if forgotten about, candles can easily cause house fires, especially if there are low hanging decorations around.

Lastly, don’t forget that before and after the holidays – dangers still exist. Winter can be a very dangerous time of year for seniors due to slips and falls and extreme weather conditions. To make sure your loved one stays safe during the winter months, encourage the use of a walker if necessary, and be sure to walk with them if you are attending events together. If you can, ask neighbours to help ypu keep an eye on your loved one to be sure they are safe.

Between the potentially bad weather, the hectic schedules, and the change of routines, the holiday season can be a dangerous and confusing time for our senior family members. Commit to keeping them safe this Christmas season with these tips.