The holiday season is meant to be a time of warmth, connection, and family. But for elderly loved ones living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, this season can also bring unique risks. Between staffing shortages, increased fall dangers, winter illnesses, and changes in routine, families must stay vigilant to ensure their relatives remain safe and well-cared for.
While the holidays can be joyful, they also create conditions that can expose serious issues in elder care. The more informed families are, the more effectively they can advocate for the safety of those they love. Below, our friends at KBD Attorneys discuss how to keep your elderly loved ones safe during the holidays.
Holiday Staffing Shortages: A Hidden Danger
Nursing home abuse lawyers know that staffing levels often drop around major holidays as employees take time off or facilities rely on temporary workers. This reduced coverage can affect nearly every aspect of resident safety, including:
- Slower response times to call bells
- Missed medication doses
- Less supervision of residents prone to wandering
- Increased fall risk due to fewer staff assisting with mobility
- Inadequate monitoring of residents with dementia or complex medical needs
Families visiting nursing homes during the holidays often notice signs of understaffing—residents waiting long periods for assistance, call lights blinking without response, or caregivers appearing overwhelmed. If something feels off, it’s important to speak up. You have the right to ask supervisors about staffing levels and care plans.
Fall Risks Increase During The Winter Season
Falls are one of the biggest dangers for seniors, and the risk often spikes in winter. In nursing homes, this can be due to factors such as:
- Wet or slippery floors from tracked-in snow or rain
- Cluttered hallways as facilities decorate for the holidays
- Residents trying to walk independently when staff is busy
- Dimly lit common areas during early nightfall
- Increased confusion among residents with dementia before or after family visits
Simple safety checks—like ensuring your loved one’s room has adequate lighting, reviewing their fall-prevention plan, and confirming mobility aids are within reach—can help prevent avoidable injuries.
Winter Illnesses Spread Quickly In Care Facilities
Cold and flu season presents serious risks for older adults, especially those with compromised immune systems. Nursing homes can experience spikes in:
- Influenza
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Gastrointestinal viruses
- COVID-19 and other respiratory infections
Because residents live in close quarters, infections can spread rapidly. Families can ask facilities what precautions they are taking, including:
- Daily symptom screening
- Isolation protocols
- Vaccination policies
- Cleaning and disinfection routines
If your loved one shows signs of illness, contact nursing staff immediately. Early treatment is critical.
The Emotional Impact Of Holiday Visits
The holidays can be emotionally challenging for seniors, especially those struggling with loneliness or dementia. Visits from family can bring joy, but they can also disrupt routine, overstimulate, or confuse residents.
To support emotional well-being:
- Keep visits calm and unhurried
- Bring familiar items or photos
- Stick to preferred meal times or activity schedules
- Watch for signs of fatigue or distress
- Encourage staff to include your loved one in holiday programming
Your presence alone can significantly reduce anxiety and increase quality of life.
Top Ways Families Can Advocate For Loved Ones
Advocacy is essential year-round, but especially during the holidays. Here are practical ways families can help protect residents:
- Visit at varying times—not just during scheduled visiting hours
- Ask staff specific questions about care routines
- Document concerns and follow up in writing if necessary
- Review care plans and ensure they’re updated
- Look for red flags: bruises, weight loss, poor hygiene, or changes in behavior
- Speak with supervisors or administrators if something appears unsafe
Being present and involved is one of the strongest safeguards against neglect.
A Caring Reminder For The Holiday Season
The holidays are a time for connection, reflection, and family. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, your presence matters more than you might realize. Visiting regularly, asking questions, and staying aware of their environment can make a meaningful difference in their safety and well-being.
While nursing homes can provide essential care, the holiday season brings added risks — from staffing shortages to increased fall and illness dangers. Staying cautious, observing changes, and communicating with caregivers helps ensure your loved one remains protected and supported.
Most importantly, spend time with them. A simple visit, a warm conversation, or sharing a holiday treat can bring comfort, joy, and reassurance during a time when many seniors feel isolated.
Your involvement is one of the strongest safeguards your loved one has this holiday season.
