The holiday season brings families together, often giving us a closer look at how our aging loved ones are managing at home. Those visits can reveal safety concerns we might not notice from afar—a wobbly gait in the bathroom, difficulty managing medications, or hesitation when moving around at night.
While traditional holiday gifts are wonderful, this season also presents an opportunity to address important safety needs for seniors that can improve their daily life and provide peace of mind for the whole family. Whether you frame these as gifts or simply as thoughtful upgrades to support their independence, these home safety improvements show you care about their well-being.
Here are six ways to enhance safety in the home for aging loved ones this holiday season:
Home Safety Improvements to Consider
Upgrade the Shower or Bath for Fall Prevention
If their current bathroom is not optimized for safety and convenience, this is a great place to start. Bathroom falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, making this upgrade both practical and essential.
There are many companies today specifically focused on upgrading existing bathtubs to become walk-in tubs, mitigating the risk of tripping on the way in or out of the tub. If your loved one uses a walk-in shower, have grab bars professionally installed on the shower walls for balance and the ability to get up in the event of a fall.
Install a Wireless Camera for Peace of Mind
Check on Mom and Dad with a smart camera placed in common areas. These cameras are easy to mount and can be monitored through a smartphone app, allowing you to check in from anywhere. Set it to notify you with motion sensors so you can get daily notifications that your loved one is active and moving around the home.
Important: Have an open conversation with your loved one before installing cameras. Many seniors value their privacy and independence, so it’s essential to explain how the camera provides safety without constant monitoring. Consider placing cameras only in common areas like the living room or kitchen, and avoid private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms. Let them know when you’re checking in, and give them control over when the camera is active if possible.
Smart home cameras can provide reassurance for both caregivers and seniors when used respectfully, helping family members stay connected even when they can’t be there in person.
Get a Medical Alert System with Fall Detection
A medical alert system is the best way to ensure 24/7 emergency coverage for Mom or Dad. A wearable device on the wrist or neck offers an easy way to access emergency services at any time of the day or night with just a simple push of a button.
Opt for a mobile system with GPS-enabled tracking, which gives them fast access to help no matter where they are, and choose automatic fall detection for increased protection. Fall detection technology can automatically alert emergency services even if your loved one is unable to press their button.
Install a Home Security System with Fire and CO Sensors
Most wireless home security systems come with easy-to-attach sensors that can be added not only to exterior doors and windows but also to drawers, medicine cabinets, and closets. Want to know if Mom or Dad has eaten today? You can attach sensors to the fridge, pantry, and snack drawers and view activity through the app to see how frequently each has been opened and closed.
Fire and carbon monoxide (CO) sensors are likely already installed in your loved one’s home, but the holiday visit is a perfect time to check that they’re working properly. Test each alarm, replace batteries if needed, and check expiration dates—most smoke and CO detectors need to be replaced every 7-10 years. Consider upgrading to smart detectors that can send alerts to your phone and automatically contact emergency services, providing an added layer of protection even when your loved one is asleep or away from home.
Invest in an Automatic Pill Dispenser
Managing daily medications can be difficult for seniors, causing missed doses and general confusion about whether a medication was taken or not. Investing in an automatic pill dispenser can make this daily task easier and safer, reducing medication errors and providing caregivers with peace of mind.
Depending on your loved one’s daily pill regimen, find one that can be programmed to dispense medication according to individual-specific prescriptions, is tamper-proof, and holds the proper amount of dosing.
Install Motion Sensor Nightlights for Safer Nighttime Movement
As they age, many seniors report difficulty sleeping through the night. This leads to more walking around in the dark to use the bathroom or get a drink of water. Motion sensor lights are a relatively inexpensive way to provide more visibility, thereby lessening the risk of tripping and falling in low-light conditions.
Today’s motion sensor lights are energy-efficient and easy to install—even when there’s no outlet available. Many plug directly into existing outlets and activate automatically when motion is detected, providing immediate illumination without fumbling for light switches.
Making Safety Improvements This Holiday Season
When selecting safety improvements for your loved one during the holidays, focus on addressing specific needs you’ve observed. The best approach often involves having an honest conversation about how these changes can help them stay independent and safe in their own home.
Consider your loved one’s specific needs, living situation, and daily routine when planning safety upgrades. For seniors aging in place, a combination of these safety measures creates a comprehensive protection plan that addresses multiple risk factors.
This holiday season, let family time together inspire meaningful improvements that truly make a difference in your loved one’s daily life and safety.
