The holidays are a time of family, joy and togetherness. It can also pose specific challenges for seniors, especially if the home environment is not designed with accessibility in mind. Whether you’re hosting loved ones or helping them prepare their home for the holidays, making the necessary modifications or adjustments can help ensure that all guests enjoy the holidays in comfort and safety. Whether it’s utilitarian tweaks or more novel modifications, these changes can make the holidays truly inclusive. But if you still want to make these tasks even easier, the best option is to seek the help of a professional, whose knowledge and skills can make these tasks go faster. How to Rethink Entrances to Facilitate Access? The entrance of a house says a lot about its level of accessibility. Removing barriers at this initial point is critical for seniors. Check that the entrance is wide enough to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs. Preferably, it should be 32 inches (0.81 m) wide. Ramps at steps or door thresholds can make a big difference for seniors with walkers or canes. For outdoor ramps, choose slip-resistant materials that protect against falls in rain or ice. Use motion-detecting lights to illuminate the entryway during the winter. Motion-detecting lights next to door thresholds give visibility on those first dark nights that abound in winter. If stairs are unavoidable, make sure there is also a sturdy handrail. These changes make arrival easier and make seniors feel welcome and valued. Design a Safer Kitchen Environment The kitchen is often the center of holiday gatherings, so it should be a welcoming and safe place for seniors. These adjustments, along with proper lighting in workspaces, will allow seniors to enjoy the vacations. Bathroom Improvements For Comfort And Safety The bathroom can pose special safety concerns, but a few small improvements can ensure that it is an enjoyable space for seniors during the vacations. Place grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub. They help maintain stability and minimize the risk of falls. Non-slip mats or adhesive steps placed inside the bathtub or shower can also improve safety. For added convenience, try hand-held showers and shower chairs, which make bathing easier for people with reduced mobility. Another thoughtful change is to replace door knobs and handles with lever handles. They are more comfortable for arthritic hands and give the space a more modern look. With these changes, seniors can remain independent without worry. Adapting The Living Room For Accessibility Living rooms often become social hubs during the holidays, and are an important consideration when creating an accessible space. Move furniture to open wide, unobstructed pathways where a wheelchair or walker can fit. Anchor loose cords and rugs that can become tripping hazards. Another good idea is to add heavy, high-seated chairs with armrests, so seniors can sit and stand without assistance. Add layers of well-placed lighting to improve visibility. Use smart lighting systems that can be controlled by voice commands or through a remote control, which will make it easier for seniors to adjust to their comfort. Modify Stairs For Comfort In homes with stairs, making them safe and easy to navigate is crucial to creating an accessible home. That’s why it’s always good to place handrails on both sides of the staircase to provide additional support. You need to make sure that the handrails are easy to grip and that they protrude a few inches from the top and bottom of the steps. Eye-catching, contrasting stair edges or treads can help visually impaired seniors distinguish each step. If the budget allows, also consider installing a motorized stair lift; giving seniors the independence and safety they need. Even short-term solutions, such as installing a sturdy railing on the second floor to get up and down the stairs during the vacations, can make the process less nerve-wracking. Accessible Holiday Decorating Holiday decorations are a hallmark of the season, but they should never impede safety or access. Place decorations at a height that seniors can see effortlessly. Keep decorations at a level where seniors can appreciate them without hurting their backs. Keep lights and ornaments away from wires and other potential tripping hazards. If you have trouble moving and blowing out candles, try using battery-operated candles, which give off a pleasant light without the risk of fire. Forgoing style is not necessary to be inclusive; choose ornaments that are not too heavy to move around if necessary. With these conscientious selections, the house stays cheerful and everyone’s well-being is prioritized. Comfort in The Bedroom For a Peaceful Stay If there are seniors staying over during the vacations, it is important that their bedrooms be comfortable and accessible. Think about the height of the bed to make it easier to get out, some adjustable beds offer even more flexibility and comfort. Install grab bars or bed handles that facilitate mobility for extra help. Putting a night light in the bedroom or hallway to illuminate the way to the bathroom can also be helpful. Establishing an uncluttered area and accommodating any mobility devices ensures that the place is functional and welcoming. Improve Communication And Also Emergency Preparedness When there are seniors present at any holiday gathering, you need to be prepared for emergencies. If your guest is hearing impaired, install an alert buzzer with flashing lights or vibrations. You should also make sure that all telephones, including emergency call devices, are accessible and programmed with the relevant numbers. Essentially, keep a list of emergency contacts, including family members, taped near each phone. Having a first aid kit in appropriate places in the home can help save a life, so be mindful of this. Caring for the well-being of your loved ones strengthens bonds and allows everyone to relax during the holidays. Encourage Social Connection Through Home Modifications & Design Accessibility during the holidays comes down to human connection and making sure everyone can participate. Create a common area that invites conversation and dialogue. Leave room for wheelchairs and make…
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Every Christmas is a time of joy, laughter and creating unforgettable memories with the people we love. Decorating for the holidays can be fun for seniors, but it is crucial to keep safety in mind while spreading holiday cheer. From Custodia we bring to you a series of tips to keep in mind so that Christmas decorating can be a fun and hazard-free experience. In addition, we will tell you about the advantages of having the help of professionals to decorate your home, especially if you are an elderly person. Go For Lighter, Shatterproof Decorations Decorations don’t have to be fragile or delicate to be beautiful. Choose lightweight decorations to ease the decorating process and keep seniors safe. Encourage plastic or acrylic ornaments instead of heavy glass ones, which can break easily if dropped. Choose plush fabric or felt ornaments for a softer, cozier aesthetic. Hanging ornaments can also be a challenge. To avoid the danger of them stretching too far, use easy-to-hold hooks or explore tabletop trees that don’t require as much effort. These small changes can make decorating safer and more fun. Shatterproof ornaments also allow visiting grandchildren to pitch in without fear of harm. Seniors and their family members can share all kinds of decorating tasks without worrying about ornaments accidentally breaking. Be Careful With Extension Cords And Wiring Lighting up your home is great, but messy cords are accidents waiting to happen. Choose a Stable Mount For Your Christmas Tree There’s nothing more Christmassy than a well-lit tree, but make sure it stands upright and stable. If you decide a traditional tree, make sure it has a sturdy base. A wide stand is essential for balance, especially if you have pets or small children visiting. A flat, non-slip mat for the tree can also help keep it more stable. If a live tree is too much for you, you can replace it with a faux tree. They’re lighter, don’t get as messy and can arrive pre-lit, so you won’t have to put up the lights yourself. Look for folding or tabletop alternatives that can be set up without bending over or lifting heavy objects. Decorate the tree with care Decorate the tree delicately, focusing on the areas in between that allow for trip-free, effortless access. This is an ideal time to involve the family, allowing the youngest members of the family to take over the higher positions. Prioritize Non-slip Surfaces Smooth or slippery surfaces can make decorating difficult for older people, so use a stable base. Rugs and mats can be festive, but they can slip, lift or buckle underfoot. Tape them down with tape or a rubber backing, and avoid placing them on busy walkways. If a rug seems too casual, replace it with chair covers or table runners that add texture and warmth. Outdoor surfaces are often more hazardous in winter. Periodically clear snow and ice, and if you find yourself setting up outdoor lighting, make sure you don’t step on wet, slippery ground. An easy solution is to ask family for help or hire professional outdoor decorators. Indoors, move furniture around temporarily to create pathways for easy passage. Leave clear pathways, so seniors can walk through without the risk of tripping over decorations. Switch to LED Lights For a Safer Glow Lights bring a magical touch to the holidays, but the type of lighting you use is important. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, LED lights produce less heat, so they’re less likely to cause burns or start a fire. Plus, they’re energy efficient, so you can keep them on for hours without feeling guilty. For convenience, choose those with an automatic timer. Read more about How to begin decorating your home in Toronto. Avoid lights with exposed or frayed wires. Battery-operated light strings are another suitable option, ideal for placing on tables, wreaths, and even shelves. These lights eliminate the risk of electric shock and carelessly overloading outlets. But always place lights carefully, they should contribute to the festive spirit, not dazzle or impede movement. Lighting around decorations is also critical, as you’ll want to be able to see where you’re moving. Anchor Heavy Decorations Securely If a decoration can easily fall over, it’s probably not secure. Large figurines, vases, and even menorahs should be placed on stable, flat surfaces. Smaller objects should be firmly anchored to tables with museum putty or adhesive strips to reduce the likelihood of a bump causing them to fall and break. For wall-hung decorations, make sure the hooks are securely attached and can support the weight of the decoration. Adhesive hooks can break if overloaded, so check their weight limits carefully. When deciding where to place decorations, consider accessibility. Choose accessible locations and avoid placing heavy objects on shelves, racks, or countertops. Ask For Help in Hard-to-reach Areas Hanging lights or garland on a ladder can be dangerous at any age. Ask for help from family members or neighbors for higher areas, such as the top of the Christmas tree or higher shelves. Decorating in a multigenerational way not only makes chores safer, but also creates memories you’ll treasure. A stool with a grab handle is a safer option than the typical ladder, as this tool provides better balance and grip. However, staying firmly on the floor is the safest option overall. Seniors should think about low decorations, not ten-foot challenges. Involving others makes decorating an activity to enjoy together. Put your favorite holiday playlist on repeat, provide snacks, and make it an occasion everyone looks forward to. Decorate at Your Pace The holidays don’t have to come all at once. Why Seek Professional Help? While preparing for the holidays can be a delightful and rewarding task, there are times when it’s helpful to hire help. Here are a few reasons why you should consider enlisting the services of professionals: Get to know more about: What do you give seniors for Christmas? The choice to have professional help is still based on your specific needs, resources, and…
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