Making Your Home Safe for Older Relatives Who Visit During The Holidays
By Child Safety Specialist December 01, 2011 | 10:00 AMPosted in: Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. I love cooking and like nothing better than to prepare a feast for my family and friends.
In the past several years, however, there is one aspect that is causing me stress and that's making sure my aging relatives are comfortable and safe in my home.
Since my babies are no longer babies, I've been able to remove the stair gates and tot locks but I've found myself increasingly worried about my dad taking a spill down the stairs.
If you're entertaining older adults this holiday season or if they will be staying with you for an extended period of time, here are some things to consider:
• Make sure any rugs have non-skid mats underneath to prevent them from slipping. Also, put a mat at the front foyer in case it's slippery from wet shoes.
• Scrap ice, wet leaves or any debris off of walkways and be sure that they are well lit.
• If one of your older guests smokes, be sure that you have ashtrays within reach and be sure that any cigarette butts are disposed of properly.
• Clear the floors of any small toys or cords that someone can trip over.
• Install nightlights in the hallways, bathrooms and bedrooms so that older adults can easily find their way to the bathroom at night.
• Keep a watchful eye when an older adult takes their prescription medication. Many times they will drop a pill which could be dangerous for a toddler if they find it on the floor and ingest it.
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