Senior-Safe Holiday Decorating Guidelines

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.

• Use extension cords suitable for indoors or outdoors, as needed: Be sure to run them along the wall or under furniture, secured with clips or tape to keep them from falling out. You can include brightly colored cords to make them stand out, or invest in any type of cordless, battery-operated lights for convenience.
• Don’t overload outlets, which can overheat: plug ornaments or light sockets in one at a time to avoid confusion about what goes where. Keep cords tidy and remember to check them periodically to make sure they don’t fray.
• When deciding where to run the wires, consider the daily flow: Will the vacuum cleaner catch it? Will it get stepped on at night? This will help you visualize foot traffic before plugging in and placing items.

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.

• Plan ahead so you have plenty of time to decorate: Divide up the tasks and getting a little done each day can make the process more enjoyable and easier on the body. This way you can make adjustments as you need to and won’t have the pressure of having to do it all at once.
• Break down what seem like overwhelming tasks: use wreaths or garlands that have already been decorated, and direct your energy to the areas you like best. There’s no reason to decorate every corner like a winter wonderland if it doesn’t bring you joy.
• Keep in mind that perfect decorating is not the goal: the most important thing is to create a warm, inviting space where you feel happy and safe.

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:

• Safety expertise: experts have knowledge and experience to help make sure decorations are set up safely to avoid accidents or damage.
• Complex installations: whether it’s lighting displays, extensive outdoor decorations or large-scale setups, professionals can handle the complexity efficiently and effectively.
• Free time and convenience: hiring professionals will free up your time and energy, regardless of their schedule or limited movement. Not only do they offer decoration sets, but they also take care of set up and take down, giving you more time to focus on enjoying the festivities.
• Customization: the professionals, can give you ideas that fit your desires and designs, creating an impressive customized holiday display.

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 comfort with a DIY project. You can crunch numbers and value the experience, but judge the benefit well and think that professionals can add value to your holiday decorating experience.

How Custody is The Assistance You Need?

Custodia experts are always ready to help you, and Christmas is no exception. With our specially designed plans to provide support especially for seniors, you will find the solution you are looking for. In addition, in Custody we have:

• Secure payment methods.
• Plans that will allow you to take care of your economy.
• Wide variety of services that will make the way you take care of your home easier.

Remember that we are always ready to help you. So do not miss our promotions and contact us to have a special Christmas.