Outdoor Christmas Decorating Safety Tips
Looking at Christmas decorations throughout the neighborhood can be one of the most delightful parts of the season. Getting your parent in on the fun and turning their home into a festive environment is a great way to boost their spirits and make them feel more like a part of the community celebration. As a family caregiver it is important for you to help your parent enjoy their holiday season as much as possible, but also to protect their health and safety. This means making sure your decorations are safe and that your parent can handle them safely.
Elderly Care in Great Falls VA: Outdoor Decorating SafetySome outdoor Christmas decorating safety tips include:
- Make sure all decorations put outside are rated for outdoor use. This will prevent electrical shorts and other potential dangers.
- Avoid overloading outlets.
- Do not stretch wires across porches, walkways, or other areas where they may cause a tripping hazard.
- Carefully examine all lights and decorations before using them. Discard any that have frayed or damaged wires, or that are otherwise compromised.
- Make sure decorations are secured effectively to prevent them from moving or getting blown away.
- Avoid putting decorations where they may block a gutter, or pull the gutter down. This can lead to damage to the house, as well as water pooling beneath the gutter and potentially causing a slipping hazard.
- Avoid decorations that emit too much light and lead to shadowy areas or vision compromises that could lead to dangers for your senior.
- Do not put wires through windows or doors, or pinch them under furniture or other decorative elements.
- Make sure your parent is able to easily access the controls for all outdoor decorations so they can be easily turned off. Look for decorations with timers so your parent does not have to trek out into the cold every night to turn off their decorations.
Being involved in the world around them during the holiday season can be extremely beneficial for your aging parent. This time of year can be challenging for seniors. Many end up feeling isolated, lonely, and depressed, and do not feel as valuable or important. Finding ways to encourage your parent to stay engaged and involved is vital to their mental and emotional health, and to helping them enjoy their holiday season to the fullest. Elderly care can help. An elderly home care services provider can give your parent a wide variety of personalized services designed to help your parent manage their challenges and needs, be more involved, and celebrate the holidays in the ways that are best for them.