Merry & Bright: Age-Friendly Holiday Decorating Tips

This week we are going to take a break from the technology for aging in place series and move towards discussing Christmas, the holidays and winter safety in the coming weeks. We will resume the technology for aging in place series in the new year. I hope you enjoy it!

The holiday season is here, and it's time to make our homes look merry and bright! But when we have elderly loved ones living with us or on their own, we need to think a bit differently about decorating. We want to create a holiday atmosphere that's not just beautiful but also safe for them. Let’s explore how we can do this.

Assessing Home Safety for Holiday Decorations

Before we start putting up decorations, it’s important to look around the house and think about safety. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Identifying Potential Hazards
  • Look for places where wires and cords from lights could trip someone.
  • Make sure decorations aren’t too close to heaters or candles.
• Adapting to Mobility Concerns
  • Place decorations where they’re easy to see and enjoy without having to reach too high or bend too low.
  • Keep walkways and paths clear so there’s no risk of tripping over something.

Choosing Senior-Friendly Decorations

When picking out decorations, think about what will be safe and easy for seniors to handle.

• Safe and Simple Lighting Options
  • Use LED lights that are cool to the touch and have automatic timers, so they turn off by themselves.
  • Avoid using real candles. If you love candles, try battery-operated ones that flicker like real flames but are much safer.
• Festive but Practical Decor
  • Choose holiday mats that are non-slip to prevent falls at doorways.
  • Avoid indoor rugs if at all possible.
  • Use shatterproof ornaments which are safer if they fall and don’t break into sharp pieces.

Involving Seniors in the Decorating Process

Decorating can be more fun when everyone gets involved. Here’s how you can include your elderly loved ones:

• Encouraging Participation and Choices
  • Let them help pick the theme or colors for the decorations.
  • If they like crafts, plan a simple holiday craft project they can do.
• Fostering Traditions and Memories
  • Talk about favorite holiday memories while decorating.
  • Maybe they have special decorations that have been in the family for years. Find a special place to display these.

Technology Aids for Holiday Ambiance

Technology can help make holiday decorating easier and safer for seniors. Here are some ideas:

• Using Smart Home Devices
  • Smart devices can control lights and music with simple voice commands, making it easier for seniors who might not be able to move around easily.
  • You can also set up cameras to monitor the house for safety when you’re not there.
• Virtual Decorating Experiences
  • If it's hard to get out to shop for decorations, you can look online together and choose what to buy.
  • Some websites even offer virtual tours of holiday lights and displays, which can be a fun activity without leaving the house.

The holidays are a special time, and with a little planning, we can make sure that our homes are not only festive but also safe and comfortable for our elderly loved ones. Let’s create wonderful holiday memories together, keeping safety as our top priority!

Be sure to check back next week as we discuss loneliness and the holidays and ways to reach out to isolated seniors.

That's all for today.

Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!

Winn

Articles of Interest:

1. Seven Love Languages Caregivers Should Know About
2. 5 Reasons Why Holiday Loneliness is a Thing
3. Communicating With Elderly Patients: 5 Best Tips for Caregivers