Holiday Home Safety
To Prevent Falls Among Older Adults
The holidays are a time for families to reconnect, celebrate, and enjoy each other’s company. But if you’re visiting an aging parent or loved one this season, it’s also the perfect moment to assess their home for safety—especially when it comes to preventing falls.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older. The good news: most falls are preventable. A quick home walkthrough during your holiday visit could make a major difference in keeping your loved one safe.
Holiday Decorations & Lighting:
Festive But Risky
Decorations bring joy—but they can also create new hazards for seniors. Many older adults still want to participate in decorating traditions, so it’s important to do so safely.
Watch for these common issues:
Extension cords and light strings stretched across walkways
Ladders or stools used to reach high places
Holiday rugs or doormats that slip or curl at the edges
Christmas trees blocking natural pathways
Dropped pine needles, which are easy to slip on
Instead, secure cords along walls, help with decorating tasks that require climbing, and keep walkways clear of décor.
What You Can Do During Your Visit
Take advantage of your time together to make small but impactful safety upgrades:
Do a room-by-room walk-through to look for hazards
Make a list of quick improvements (lighting, grab bars, furniture shifts)
Handle urgent fixes like clearing clutter or securing rugs
Install safety tools like motion lights or bathroom aids if possible
These changes help create a safer environment and show your loved one that their well-being is a priority.
Year-Round Safety Tips for Aging at Home
Preventing falls isn’t just a one-time fix. Here’s how you can help maintain a safer home long after the holidays:
Speak openly and respectfully about fall risks
Schedule home safety assessments (professional or DIY)
Adjust for seasonal changes in lighting or weather
Plan regular check-ins to reassess the home environment
General Fall Prevention Checklist
Here’s a quick reference to reduce risks in key areas:
Lighting:
According to the National Institute on Aging, good lighting can help prevent falls in older adults.
Add night-lights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms
Ensure stairways are well-lit at both ends
Replace any burned-out bulbs right away
Watch for shadows cast by decorations that block visibility
Flooring & Pathways:
Remove or tape down loose rugs
Keep walkways clear of gifts, cords, and clutter
Fix loose tiles, carpet, or uneven flooring
Ensure wide, easy-to-navigate paths between rooms
Bathroom Safety:
Install grab bars in tubs, showers, and near toilets
Use nonslip mats in bathing areas
Add a raised toilet seat if needed
Avoid loose, unsecured bath mats
Furniture & Accessibility:
Rearrange furniture for clear, open pathways
Ensure chairs and couches are easy to sit and stand from
Keep commonly used items within reach
Avoid crowding spaces with holiday furniture or decorations
Encourage Safe Independence
Promoting fall prevention doesn’t mean taking away independence—it means empowering older adults to stay in control of their space and health.
Encourage these habits:
Keep a phone within reach at all times
Wear non-slip shoes even indoors
Use assistive devices as recommended
Stay active to support balance and strength
Move slowly when standing, sitting, or changing positions
Stay Safe This Season—and All Year Long
The holidays should be filled with joy, not emergency room visits. By taking a few simple precautions now, you can help your loved one remain safe, independent, and comfortable at home.
Approach these conversations with empathy, offer hands-on help, and remember: safety is a gift that lasts long beyond the season.
How Golden Age Caregivers Can Help
At Golden Age Caregivers, our trained professionals provide compassionate in-home care designed to keep seniors safe and independent—especially during the holidays.
We offer services like light housekeeping, personal care, mobility assistance, and fall prevention strategies tailored to each client’s needs.
We’re happy to assist with documentation, caregiver coordination, and verifying what your policy covers.
Why Choose Golden Age Caregivers?
At Golden Age Caregivers, we treat every client like family — not just another case. We don’t simply assign caregivers; we carefully hand-select and match each caregiver based on your loved one’s specific needs, preferences, and personality. Our fully screened and highly trained caregivers are committed to providing compassionate, dependable care that feels personal and genuine. With us, your family becomes part of ours.
We offer a full range of concierge-level services, including:
Personal care assistance (bathing, grooming, dressing, hygiene)
Alzheimer’s and dementia care
Companion care and emotional support
Meal preparation and nutrition management
Medication reminders and medication coordination
Transportation to medical appointments, errands, and social outings
Mobility assistance and fall prevention
Light housekeeping, laundry, and home organization
24/7 care options
Respite care for family caregivers
Post-hospitalization and post-surgical recovery care
End-of-life care and comfort support
Assistance in private homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers
Coordination with physicians, discharge planners, and case managers
Custom-tailored care plans based on individual needs and preferences
This comprehensive, highly personalized approach is what makes Golden Age Caregivers a true concierge-level service — providing seamless care wherever it’s needed, whenever it’s needed. This is what it means to Live the Golden Way.
Let Us Take Care Of You
Golden Age Caregivers
Headquarters – 4400 North Federal Highway, Suite 208, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
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