If you are going to be having an elderly relative over to stay over the Christmas period, it is always nice to make them feel at home, but it is also a good idea to make your home safer. Many accidents that happen in the home over the festive period involve an elderly person, and it is important that you ensure that your home is a safe place for someone who is elderly.
Many older people find it easier and indeed necessary to use WAV vehicles, such as a wheelchair or a mobility scooter. You can make access to your home a little easier for people who use these by putting in a ramp at the entrance to your home.
For elderly people in particular it is important to keep the home warm (of course it shouldn’t be boiling, but around 21 degrees Celsius is a good room temperature for someone who is elderly). If your home has a tendency to feel a bit chilly, make sure that you have plenty of cosy blankets for them to snuggle up in, and a hot water bottle that they can use to keep warm.
If you have young children or pets, try to keep them from getting under the persons feet, as both children and pets are a tripping hazard to someone older, especially if they are unsteady on their feet or have problems with their eyesight.