The wonderful holiday season is upon us! For most of us, it’s a very joyous time of year. Gathering with family members and friends for sumptuous meals is a big part of the yearly tradition. However, for families that include older adults, a heightened concern for safety is also the norm. There is a lot of hustle and bustle surrounding holiday celebrations. What are some important steps to take to ensure that the seniors in your life have a safe holiday season?
Follow dietary restrictions.
For health reasons, many seniors are advised to avoid particular foods and beverages all throughout the year. Sufferers of diabetes, for example, are often cautioned against high sugar intake. Support your elderly loved one’s health by ensuring that he/she refrains from partaking in foods that are supposed to be restricted. As Hollywood, Florida’s Assisting Hands Home Care Agency reminds us, following diets can be difficult around the holidays.
“Even before the celebrations, stress can lead to overeating or indulging in comfort food, leading to further problems down the road,” notes their website, “To make it easier on yourself, post your dietary restrictions on your refrigerator to constantly remind yourself of what you should and shouldn’t be eating. Instead of opening a bag of chips, cut up some raw vegetables and keep them in the refrigerator for convenient snacking.”
Avoid real trees as part of your Christmas decor.
Some Christmas celebrators are die-hard fans of tradition. If your tradition is to place a real tree in your home as your Christmas tree, you may want to rethink your old fashioned ways. A real Christmas tree is a fire hazard. As Toronto’s Carefect Home Health Care Services informs us, real trees are at much greater risk of catching fire 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,” their website advises, “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.”
Monitor alcohol intake.
“Eat, drink and be merry!” This is a common phrase during the holiday season. Naturally, it’s also a common practice. For everyone – not just seniors – it’s important to remember that you can be merry without a lot of drinking. Of course, older adults are cautioned to limit or eliminate alcohol consumption, based on their overall health. Assisting Hands Home Care Agency warns us that seniors on medication must be especially mindful to avoid booze during the holidays.
“In addition to impairing functions, drinking alcohol can cause adverse effects when paired with medications,” reads their website, “So instead of serving wine, champagne, or fancy cocktails, be creative and drink low to 0-calorie beverages instead, like iced tea, water, or even flavoured water.”
Invest in a mobility solution.
Does your elderly loved one contend with any mobility issues? At LifeCare Mobility Solutions, we are very proud of our wide array of stair lifts, porch lifts, wheelchairs, walkers and rollators, power lift chairs, home hospital beds and bathroom modifications. To learn all about them, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
