The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also be challenging for seniors. As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable, and it’s important to keep in mind elderly care to ensure aging family members stay healthy and safe during the holidays. If you want to make sure your senior loved one feels comfortable and well during this time, check out the following tips. 

How to Celebrate the Holidays Safely With Seniors

1. Make Your Home Accessible 

The first step in ensuring your senior loved one's welfare is to make your home easy and safe to navigate. Eliminate any tripping hazards, such as objects on the floor, loose rugs, or electrical cords. Plus, ensure that there is adequate lighting throughout your home. It may be helpful to install grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on stairs to reduce the risk of falls. 

2. Decorate With Care 

Decorating your home for the holidays can be a fun and festive activity, but it's essential to do so with care. Avoid using decorations that could be a fire hazard, such as candles or flammable materials. Choose decorations that are safe for seniors, such as non-breakable ornaments and low-maintenance plants. Also, make sure your loved one doesn’t attempt to use step stools or ladders to hang décor.

3. Have Healthy Food Options 

The holidays are a time for everyone to treat themselves and enjoy a variety of delicious foods. However, the spread during this time of year can be high in fats and sugar. Try to incorporate nutritious meals that include fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Encourage your loved one to consume lots of water to keep their immune system strong and limit their alcohol intake to avoid dehydration. 

4. Keep Them Active 

Staying active is an essential part of elderly care and can improve seniors' physical and mental health. If your loved one is still mobile, have them participate in holiday activities, such as walking around the neighborhood to look at holiday lights or attending a holiday concert. Physical activity can help prevent falls, improve mood, and promote overall health. 

5. Prioritize Rest 

The holiday season can be stressful, and it's essential to prioritize rest and relaxation as part of elderly care. Make sure your loved one takes breaks when they need them and gets plenty of sleep. Stress can weaken the immune system, making seniors more vulnerable to illness. Help them wind down by playing soothing music and carving out time for naps.

If you or a loved one need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) which includes meal preparation, light housekeeping, toileting, and bathing, trust the professionals at Deer Valley Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. There’s also the option of arranging for private duty nurse visits if you do not qualify for Medicaid. Call (314) 355-3679 to discuss your specific needs, or visit them online to learn more about their services.