Thanksgiving Week Safety Tips for Seniors and Family Caregivers
Thanksgiving Week Safety Tips for Seniors and Family Caregivers
Thanksgiving week brings family, food, and more activity in the home. It can also increase risk for slips, trips, and health issues for older adults. Using simple Thanksgiving safety tips for seniors helps everyone enjoy the holiday with less stress and more peace of mind.
Why Thanksgiving safety for seniors matters
Falls remain a leading cause of injury for older adults. The CDC reports that one in four adults age 65 and older falls each year. Holiday gatherings add extra people, cords, decorations, and trips to and from the kitchen. These small changes can increase fall risk unless families prepare.
This guide gives practical Thanksgiving week safety tips for seniors and the caregivers who support them. Use it as a checklist before and during the holiday.
Before Thanksgiving: home safety prep
Clear walkways
- Move boxes, shoes, and bags away from hallways.
- Keep pets and bowls away from main paths.
- Secure or remove throw rugs, especially near the kitchen and bathroom.
Improve lighting
- Add night lights between the bedroom and bathroom.
- Turn on porch and entry lights before guests arrive.
- Use lamps instead of candles when possible for safer lighting.
Bathroom basics
- Place non slip mats in the tub or shower.
- Install or check grab bars near the toilet and in the shower.
- Make sure towels, soap, and supplies are within easy reach.
For a deeper room by room review, see our post on home safety tips for seniors living alone.
Kitchen and dining safety during Thanksgiving week
The kitchen is the center of Thanksgiving activity. It is also a common area for slips and burns. Support older adults by planning how they help and how they move through the space.
- Keep the floor dry and wipe spills right away.
- Ask seniors to sit at a stable chair for tasks like peeling or mixing.
- Use oven mitts that fully cover hands and wrists.
- Position hot pans and slow cookers away from counter edges.
- Keep cords from slow cookers and coffee makers against the wall, not across counters or walkways.
Travel and visit planning for seniors
Many families travel or bring loved ones to a different home for Thanksgiving. Build in time, rest, and a clear plan for any older adult who is visiting.
- Plan extra time for getting in and out of cars or ride services.
- Bring all medications in original containers along with a simple list.
- Pack hearing aids, glasses, chargers, and a spare set of batteries.
- Arrange a quiet place for breaks away from noise and crowds.
If your loved one uses a mobile medical alert, confirm it is charged and worn during travel. If you are choosing a system, compare options on the Help Now comparison page.
Meals, medications, and timing
Changes in meal timing, large portions, and holiday beverages can affect blood sugar, blood pressure, and balance. Caregivers can help by watching the schedule and coordinating with medication routines.
- Keep the usual medication schedule as much as possible.
- Offer water often to prevent dehydration.
- Balance heavy foods with lighter sides and vegetables.
- Limit alcohol and watch for interactions with medications.
Use a pill organizer and a simple phone reminder if the holiday schedule is busy.
Fall prevention during family gatherings
More people in the home can mean more clutter and distractions. Use these Thanksgiving safety tips for seniors to keep falls less likely during visits.
- Assign one family member to walk with the older adult on stairs or outdoor paths.
- Ask children to play in a defined area not in main walkways.
- Have a sturdy chair with arms available for the older adult.
- Encourage supportive footwear instead of loose slippers or socks on smooth floors.
For simple balance routines that can be done year round, see our guide to easy balance exercises for seniors.
Using medical alert systems as a holiday safety net
Even with careful planning, falls and health events can still happen. A medical alert system provides a direct line to help during Thanksgiving week and every other day of the year.
- Make sure the pendant or wrist button is on at all times, including while cooking or visiting.
- Test the system before guests arrive so everyone understands how it works.
- Use a lockbox at the home so paramedics can enter without damage if needed.
- Include family members in the responder list so they can be notified after an alert.
For more information on how these devices perform in real emergencies, see our article Do medical alert systems really work.
Quick Thanksgiving safety checklist
Home and walkways
- Clear floors and hallways
- Add night lights and entry lighting
- Secure cords and rugs
Kitchen and meals
- Dry floors and safe cord placement
- Older adults seated for food prep
- Medication and meal timing aligned
Travel and visits
- Medications and health list packed
- Supportive shoes and coat ready
- Quiet space for rest available
Medical alert readiness
- Device charged and worn
- Responder list up to date
- System tested before the holiday
Resources for Thanksgiving and holiday safety
Enjoy a safer Thanksgiving together
Thanksgiving week does not need to be risky for older adults. With a few simple changes, seniors and families can enjoy time together while staying safe and independent. Clear walkways, planned routines, and a reliable medical alert system create a strong safety net for the holiday and the rest of the year.
Compare Medical Alert Systems