As September turns to October, many families in Culpeper and beyond begin preparing for the holidays. It’s a season filled with decorating, gathering, and creating memories. Yet for seniors and their families, hidden home hazards can quietly increase fall risks. With a little planning, you can make sure the holidays are not just joyful but safe for everyone.

Decorating with Care

Holiday decorations brighten a home, but tangled cords, scattered boxes, and unstable ladders can lead to slips and falls. Some simple steps help reduce risk:

• Keep walkways clear when unpacking decorations.
• Use sturdy, non-slip step stools instead of chairs for reaching high spots.
• Place lights and cords along walls, never across main pathways.

These precautions help keep the holiday spirit alive without adding hidden dangers.

Welcoming Guests Safely

Holiday gatherings often mean more activity in the home. Seniors and visiting loved ones alike benefit from a few thoughtful updates:

• Add extra lighting near entrances and hallways to guide guests safely.
• Secure rugs and mats, especially near entry doors where wet shoes can create slippery spots.
• Check handrails on stairs and porches to make sure they are sturdy before guests arrive.

With these updates, the home feels more welcoming and safer for everyone.

Supporting Seniors During the Holidays

For seniors, this season is about connection and comfort. Yet the busy pace can sometimes feel overwhelming. Adult children can help by:

• Setting aside time to walk through the home and look for safety risks.
• Helping with tasks like hanging decorations or reaching for storage boxes.
• Encouraging breaks and offering support when the holiday workload feels heavy.

These small gestures protect both safety and independence while making the season less stressful.

An Invitation for the Season

Fall Prevention Month reminds us that safety is a gift worth giving. As you prepare for the holidays, consider it an opportunity to create not just festive spaces but safe ones, too. If you’d like a neighborly hand with holiday prep or a home safety walk-through, TruBlue of Culpeper is here to help.

Your home. Our priority.