Episode Transcript
Christina: Hi everyone, this is Christina Chartrand from Senior Helpers and...
David: And this is David Chandler and welcome to our next episode of Life Conversations. Christina, you want to share about what we're talking about today?
Christina: Oh, I am excited about this one. This is really talking about the holidays and it's talking about all of the things around safety in the holidays, probably things we don't even think about when we're thinking about our seniors out there, our aging loved ones. It could be your mother, your grandmother. These are people we wanna think about when we're thinking about pulling out decorations and prepping for the holidays that are coming up.
David: Yeah, and this is one of our big focuses at Senior Helpers is identifying risks of how to help keep your loved one out of the hospital. We certainly during this joyous time of the year that's full of events, we want to make sure that your loved ones are staying home and out of the hospital. So we've got some quick tips on how to do that. So Christina, first up, we are talking about our indoor decorations.
Christina: Mhmm.
David: How to stay safe with indoor decorations.
Christina: Yeah, I think it's a really good one because I feel like in many times in our seniors home environment, you know, they have everything set where it's supposed to be. But when they're pulling out all of their Christmas decorations, because maybe they're hosting over the holidays and they're having their kids and their grandkids coming to visit, you're pulling out a lot of materials and things in your home that you normally don't have there. So one of the things you want to think about is those trip hazards. Right? The extension cords, the extra items, where the Christmas tree is going, kind of where your normal pathways are. Many times they look a little different now because what you reorganized in your home to make your house look terrific for the holidays.
David: Yeah, I think about that giant nutcracker that goes out right beside the door. And yeah, that one. Yeah. And so that, yeah, yeah. So it really, the important part there and just like Christina said, is to focus on those pathways. A lot of times our seniors have that muscle memory. And so I think about...
Christina: Yes, so true. I think about that as well.
David: If I, when I think about muscle memory, I think about if I picture myself when I'm going to sleep at night and I picture my path from my bed to my bathroom, I can pretty much get, I can get to my bathroom without turning on the light. Um, and so it's the same for our seniors that they have this muscle memory of everywhere they walk through their house. And now all of a sudden we've got these obstacles, these decorations that have been put up that they're not used to being there and that can be in their home. It can be in loved one's home. So just keep that in mind that when these decorations are going up to avoid putting them in common pathways that they're not usually there.
Christina: Yeah, I think it's a good time when you know your loved one is going to be getting their decorations out because it's probably from a conversation that you've had with them over the phone. Is that to say, hey, is there anything that I can help you out with, you know, are you planning on putting those lights up high, like you always do, you know, above the mantle or above the doorway that hey, let me come over and help you with those pieces because I really don't want you climbing up on a chair, climbing up on a ladder, because that's where there's going to be a lot of danger. And I think if we can get there ahead of time to be able to help and support, but also create the space that they really want with all the beautiful decorations that they want in their place, because it just makes them feel good, that can really avoid some risks and danger.
David: Yeah. Also indoors is to think about candles. A lot of people will light candles more often at this time of year. So looking at having the flameless LED candles, they give off that same kind of flicker that a real candle will give off. So that's a great alternative. And if you are gonna light a real candle, it's good to have the candles that have jars that come with a lid on them. So that way it's more contained and avoid using the stick candles because the stick candles can fall over much more easily. So having a candle that's more stable or using that flameless LED candle are really great for this time of year.
Christina: Yeah, I've actually personally moved all to the battery operated candles for all of my candles. And even the little Vultra type of candles that you do, like you're going to pour a little bit of light, those all have timed batteries now, like a six hour window battery. They're amazing. And so I really encourage, really easy to find different types on Amazon. And even if you like the smelly type candles, they even have smelly candles that way.
David: Wow, that's something I just learned. Thank you, Christina. All right, up next, we have one for our seniors that are traveling, or if you have a loved one that is traveling to you, a good reminder is to make sure, double check, like Santa, we're making a list and we're checking it twice, don't forget your medications when you're traveling.
Christina: Yes, this is a common mistake. This is very common. Or if you don't have a mall, is to have your med planner completely filled up with the time that you're going to be there, right? And always have some extra. You never know if there's a delay or a cancellation. Don't just have enough for the time that you're there. Always have an extra supply, very important. Oh, and you know what else, David? Your med list. Do not forget to print out your medication list. That's important as well, because a lot of times if something did happen, easy, there's CVS, Walgreens all over the place. You could totally get a refill or an emergency dose at any location.
David: Yeah, very good. And our next tip is to avoid overexertion. And this is, I think that this is a really big one for our seniors as we're coming into this time of year because they may not have as much energy as they previously did. They may not have as much balance. And so when it comes to party planning or cooking. Uh, whereas mom maybe was the, the big host every single year. It may be good to have a conversation with mom about, Hey, maybe we still do it at your house this year, but you don't have to cook as much. I'll come over a little earlier. Uh, or we look at hosting somewhere else. Uh, Christine, I know that this is one that you, uh, really, when we were, when we were talking about what to talk about for this episode, this was one that you had a lot of thoughts around.
Christina: Yeah, you know, I, I've, it's interesting. I, um, was spending the holidays last year with, with my in-laws and they were very excited to have the whole family there and with the grandkids and, you know, which is so exciting to have everybody there on the holidays. But I realized when we walked in there that it was a lot and that she had been planning for weeks. And by the time we got to the actual Christmas Eve, she was exhausted. And that so easily could have been changed or helped out. If I had said, hey, Kathy, let me, what can I do? What can I help with? What would you like me to bring? I'm happy to make a meal, you know, with just stepping in. And we had that conversation at Christmas and she even said, she's like, this is really a lot. It was so great to have everybody here, but this is a lot. And so, you know, I really would encourage our listeners to reach out to the person who's hosting or you know your senior your mom or your dad or whoever is bringing and ask them Is there anything that you can do to help because really it's not it's about having everybody there That's what's so great about it. And it's not always is don't get hung up on you know, having every single tradition You know every single part of the meal and we were just talking about that You know if the famous stuffing, you know, you make the famous stuffing, right? But you can always source out gravy and the turkey and the sides. You can always cater those things and still feel like you've got that traditional meal.
David: Yeah, it's interesting to hear when they, when they say it's a lot. That it's passed a lot at that point. It's, it's already a lot, right? For any of us, it's a lot, but when we start hearing it's a lot, uh, it, it's time to really figure out how can we, how can we help support them and, uh, and take some of that off of them. And I know like for my, for my mom.
Christina: It's a past a lot. Yeah. That's a really good point, David.
David: She wants it to be perfect. She wants it to be perfect for everyone. And she wants everybody to have their favorite dish and she wants it, they want it to be cooked just like she cooked it. And, you know, I love that, but sometimes it may not be, we may need to figure out how to help take some of that burden.
Christina: And the next one, Dave, what do you have? The emergency plan.
David: So we have emergency planning. Yeah, and so we talked about this a little bit in our last episode about the importance of having an emergency contact. So as we're going through the holidays, we're potentially going through weather events or I live in Houston and a couple of years ago, we had our freak weather storm, our freak winter weather storm and so. You just never know if you had ever told me we'd have something like that in Houston, I would have said no way. And so it's good to have that anywhere really to have that emergency contact, check in on your neighbors, your elderly neighbors, give them your contact information. Anything else that we want to include in our emergency plan?
Christina: Well, I think just making sure that, you know, just like every time there is such an emergency is that you have supply of the things that you need to get you through a few days. So non-perishable foods, you have water and batteries, you know, a flashlight, just those little things I think just are a little bit of peace of mind. So if a situation comes up and you can't get out of the house for a few days.
David: Yeah. And this last one is, uh, is one that I thought was particularly interesting. We actually, I, I came across this one while we were preparing for this episode and it's, it's thinking about planning for a safe return. So when a senior is going back home and maybe they've been out at that, at that family event. And who's gonna, who's gonna tuck, I'm gonna say this, tuck mom or dad in. Who's gonna make sure that they get inside the house okay, they're tired, they've been out all day, maybe they've had a couple drinks. And we wanna make sure at that time, we've had a great time, everybody made it home safe, but now we wanna make sure that mom or dad make it, make it into bed so they can get some rest. So who's gonna be in charge of making that happen?
Christina: I think that's a really good one, David. I'm really glad that you brought that up because I think sometimes we're always like, yeah, we'll just drop them off and they'll be fine. And many times it's a few days of recovery, right? It's been a really tiring weekend or a tiring few days and that recovery time takes a little bit out of you. And that could be little things like just a grocery store run, making sure that there's food in the house so that they don't have to go out for a few days, that they have that time to recover. You know, helping them unpack, making sure that all the heavy stuff is in there. Those little things can really go a long way and know that there, many times, it does take time to recover after a big family event. Takes me time to cover after a big family event. I'm exhausted.
David: Yeah, and so, yeah. So that's our last tip for the day. One reminder as we're getting ready to wrap up is that all the tips that we've shared today are really individualized. So keep that in mind that these tips are not necessarily a one size fits all. Some of them I feel like are, that they're good general tips. But some of these, just keep in mind who you're working with.
Christina: All of that family drama.
David: Mhmm! And know what's going to be best for them and some of these items may or may not apply.
Christina: Yep, that is very true. So we really hope you enjoyed this episode and that always reach out and let us know if there's a specific topic that you'd like us to talk about. We're always looking for some great ideas.
David: Have a wonderful holiday season everyone!
Thanks for tuning into Episode 7 of 'LIFE Conversations with Senior Helpers.' Our holiday safety tips for seniors are designed to help you navigate this festive season with peace of mind. We hope these practical suggestions will assist you in creating a safe and joyous holiday experience for your elderly loved ones. Stay connected with us for more episodes filled with guidance and insights on senior care.