The holidays transform a senior’s familiar home into a beautiful, yet complex, obstacle course. For those with mobility issues or who require Ambulation Assistance, the introduction of temporary decorations, lights, and extra furniture presents severe Winter Hazards.
At Comfort Care NJ, we understand that maximizing Fall Prevention during this season requires careful, professional vigilance. Here is a breakdown of the three biggest clutter culprits during the holidays.
1. The Triple Threat: Wires, Cords, and Light Strands
Electric cords are the number one temporary trip hazard in a decorated home.
- Hazard: Strands of lights running across door thresholds, extension cords snaking across the floor to power decorations, or power strips left carelessly near seating areas. These are impossible to see clearly, especially for seniors with vision impairment or when navigating in low light.
- The Fix: Never run cords across paths of travel. All cords must be secured tightly along baseboards or under approved safety covers. Use battery-operated lights where possible, and ensure all cords are inspected for fraying before use (a dual safety concern: fire and trips).
2. Temporary Furniture and Unstable Placements
Guest traffic often means moving furniture, adding temporary seating, and placing decorations on unstable surfaces.
- Hazard: Folding chairs placed near walking paths; unsteady display tables holding heavy holiday village scenes; or furniture that has been moved, confusing a senior who relies on fixed landmarks for navigation, which is particularly hazardous in Care.
- The Fix: Remove any unnecessary or unstable furniture, especially folding chairs. If guest seating is necessary, ensure it is placed well away from the main route of travel. Crucially, do not move the senior's preferred furniture (like their favorite chair or bedside table), as this breaks the visual cues they use for safe movement.
3. The Clutter Culprit: Boxes, Bags, and Wrapping
The flurry of holiday activities—shopping, wrapping, and unpacking decorations—introduces chaotic, temporary clutter that is a prime catalyst for falls.
- Hazard: Open storage boxes left in hallways; scattered wrapping paper or ribbons on the floor (which are very slippery); or shopping bags left near the front door. These items often accumulate during the day and are hard to see at night.
- The Fix: Adopt a "one-in, one-out" rule for decoration boxes: unpack one, put the empty box away, then unpack the next. Establish a mandatory cleanup zone immediately after wrapping sessions, and ensure all gift bags or shopping items are placed on a table or shelf, never on the floor.
Secure Your Peace of Mind Present
A joyful holiday should never come at the expense of safety. Our Comfort Care NJ caregivers are trained to perform proactive Home Safety Assessments to manage these seasonal risks. We provide the constant oversight and light housekeeping needed to ensure the environment remains clutter-free and safe for Dignity-Preserving Care.
Ready to gift your loved one the ultimate present: safety, dignity, and compassionate care?
📞 Contact Comfort Care NJ to schedule a consultation today: 973-250-2350 🔗 Learn more about our Home Safety Assessments: https://www.comfortcarenewjersey.com/
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