Keep Seniors Safe at Home for the Holidays Checklist

Holiday visits give families a real-time look at how a loved one is doing at home. This checklist helps you spot early warning signs related to safety, daily living, memory, mobility, nutrition, and caregiver strain—so you can plan support before a crisis. 

What to look for: changes at home that increase fall or injury risk.
Check if you notice:

• Cluttered walkways, loose rugs, or cords in traffic areas
   
• Poor lighting, especially hallways/bathrooms at night
   
• No grab bars or nonslip mats in the bathroom
   
• Stairs used without a railing or with visible hesitation
   
• New bruises, unexplained injuries, or a recent fall
   

Helpful tips:

• Clear pathways and remove throw rugs.
   
• Add night lights in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms.
   
• Place grab bars and a shower chair in the bathroom.
   
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
   

What to look for: physical changes that make daily life harder.
Check if you notice:

• Shuffling, holding onto furniture, or moving slower than usual
   
• Trouble standing from a chair or bed without help
   
• Shortness of breath with simple tasks
   
• Increased fatigue or needing frequent breaks
   
• Reluctance to leave the home because movement feels unsafe
   

Helpful tips:

• Ask them to walk with you and observe gait and balance.
   
• Encourage proper footwear (non-slip, supportive).
   
• Consider a walker/cane review with PT or a care professional.

What to look for: signs they’re struggling with routine tasks.
Check if you notice:

• Missed bathing, grooming, or wearing the same clothes repeatedly
   
• Incontinence accidents or poor hygiene in the bathroom
   
• Unwashed dishes, laundry piling up, or spoiled food in the fridge
   
• Difficulty preparing meals or safely using the stove
   
• Medication bottles scattered or incorrectly organized
   

Helpful tips:

• Look respectfully—notice patterns without shaming.
   
• A short daily support plan can prevent bigger declines.
   
• Consider task-based help to stabilize routines.
   

What to look for: physical or cognitive barriers to eating/drinking.
Check if you notice:

• Weight loss, ill-fitting clothes, or low appetite
   
• Empty pantry/fridge or only snack foods
   
• Dry lips/skin, dizziness, constipation
   
• Trouble chewing or swallowing
   
• Forgetting meals or skipping fluids
   

Helpful tips:

• Stock easy, high-protein meals and hydration options.
   
• Set visible reminders for snacks and water.
   
• Ask about dental fit or swallowing changes.

What to look for: early cognitive or emotional red flags.
Check if you notice:

• Repeating questions/stories in short timeframes
   
• Getting lost in familiar places or confusion about time
   
• Missed bills or unopened mail
   
• Mood swings, anxiety, paranoia, or withdrawal
   
• Unsafe choices (leaving doors unlocked, stove on, wandering)
   

Helpful tips:

• Keep notes of what you observe (frequency matters).
   
• Avoid arguing—redirect calmly.
   
• Safety support at home can reduce risk fast.

What to look for: signs they’re not managing health tasks reliably.
Check if you notice:

• Missed doses, confusion about prescriptions
   
• Expired meds or mixed pill bottles
   
• Recent ER visits, falls, or hospitalizations
   
• Skipping doctor appointments or forgetting follow-ups
   
• New swelling, pain, or unmanaged symptoms
   

Helpful tips:

• Use a weekly pill organizer or blister packs.
   
• Set phone alarms or caregiver reminders.
   
• If there were recent hospital/rehab stays, transitional support is critical.

What to look for: burnout in the person providing care.
Check if you notice:

• Irritability, exhaustion, or emotional overwhelm
   
• Lack of sleep or declining health in the caregiver
   
• “I can’t do this anymore” statements
   
• Isolation and no backup support plan
   
• Unsafe transfers or rushed care due to fatigue
   

Helpful tips:

• Offer a break, even for a few hours.
   
• Respite care prevents burnout and improves safety.

Count how many boxes you checked:

• 0–3 checks: Monitor monthly; consider light safety updates.
   
• 4–7 checks: A care consultation is recommended to prevent decline.
   
• 8+ checks: Immediate in-home support is strongly advised.
   

Next step:
If you’d like, a Better Outcomes care advisor can review your checklist results and outline safe, practical options for care at home.

• Why do holiday visits matter for senior safety?
  Families often notice changes in mobility, memory, nutrition, or home safety that are harder to see from a distance.
   
• What if I notice several warning signs?
  Early support at home can prevent falls, hospital readmissions, and caregiver burnout.
   
• Do you serve my area?
  We serve Metro Atlanta including Bartow, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Fayette, Gwinnett, Henry, and Paulding counties.