Home Accessibility for Seniors: Top 5 Tips for a Safer Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for family, cherished traditions, and creating new memories. If you plan to host, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable, especially older relatives, can add to the joy of gathering together. Creating a safe environment for senior relatives can be as simple as rearranging furniture, making sure the lighting is sufficient, or even installing a stairlift. These adjustments can make a world of difference, allowing everyone to feel comfortable and secure. Here are some practical ideas for creating a welcoming, accessible environment so all family members can relax and enjoy the festivities. 

Here’s why accessibility at home matters during the holidays: 

• Comfort and Independence: Accessibility adjustments can give guests the comfort and freedom to navigate your home easily, which is especially meaningful during holiday gatherings when everyone wants to feel part of the celebration. 
  
  
• Reducing Fall Risks: Accidental falls can be a concern for older adults, particularly in unfamiliar or busy spaces. Simple accessibility modifications lower the risk of falls, allowing guests to move with greater confidence. 
  
  
• Inclusive Environment: By creating an accessible environment, you’re promoting inclusivity and allowing all family members to participate fully in the celebration, which helps everyone feel involved and appreciated. 
  
  
• Showing Thoughtfulness: A few small changes can convey a lot of care and consideration. Taking steps to make your home accessible shows thoughtfulness for loved ones’ well-being and contributes to a memorable, joyful experience for everyone. 

While you don’t need to invest in a remodel, a few thoughtful changes can greatly impact everyone. These tips can go a long way in making sure your home feels welcoming and easy to navigate: 

Create Clear Pathways

Picture your loved one navigating through a busy living room, carefully maneuvering past furniture and exuberant kids and pets underfoot. A little extra space here can go a long way. Try shifting things around to open up pathways, creating clear routes for those needing a little more room to walk or use a mobility aid.

Move the Decorations

Holiday decorations bring cheer, but they can sometimes become unintentional obstacles. A festive garland wrapped around the handrail might look beautiful, but for someone who needs that rail for balance, it can create feelings of uncertainty. Similarly, wreaths that crowd the door or decorations along the steps can feel like unexpected barriers. Try to keep decorations out of these critical areas, leaving them free for easy navigation. It’s possible to keep the charm without compromising the safety of moving around.

Designate an Area for Belongings

When guests arrive, so do their coats, bags, and shoes. But for someone who relies on seeing a clear floor to feel steady, a pile of shoes by the entryway can feel like a maze. Setting up a designated area–perhaps a bench with cubbies or a small coat rack by the door–helps keep everything organized and out of the way. A little extra organization will make the space easier for everyone to enjoy, especially those who benefit from a clear and open path.

Raise the Lights

Holiday lighting is often warm and subtle, setting a cozy mood. However, dim lighting can make everyday navigation a challenge for someone with limited vision. Brightening up key areas like stairwells, hallways, and doorways can help loved ones see every step and feel more secure. Consider adding soft but bright lighting in high-traffic areas and placing a few nightlights along darker hallways. This keeps things festive while ensuring everyone can confidently walk through the home.

Install a Stairlift

If your home has stairs, they might seem like a familiar part of daily life—but for a relative with limited mobility, they can turn an entire area of the house into a no-go zone. Installing a stairlift can transform your home, making it accessible to everyone—not just during the holidays but for all future gatherings. For your loved one, the ability to move freely between rooms can be incredibly freeing, allowing them to fully participate in the holiday festivities and countless other memorable moments ahead.

As a family-owned company with over 150 years of experience, Stannah is committed to making homes safe, accessible, and welcoming. Our stairlifts combine thoughtful design with exceptional craftsmanship, providing a product that’s dependable. When you choose Stannah, you’re choosing: 

• A Variety of Stairlift Options: We offer options for many types of homes and needs so you can find the perfect fit.
  
  
• Top-Quality Service: From consultation to installation, our team ensures the process is smooth and supportive. 
  
  
• Value and Dependability: Stannah stairlifts are built to last, so you can feel confident in your investment and enjoy reliable safety for years to come. 

Making your home accessible for loved ones this holiday season is a wonderful way to create a warm, hospitable environment. At Stannah, our stairlifts can help you make that possible. To learn more, request a free quote today!