Employ caution when spreading good cheer

However, safety always has to be a priority for your family members and their fellow residents. Here are some tips:
    • Please be certain all Christmas decorations are fire proof.  Don’t decorate the over-the-bed light because the heat from the light is intense and capable of starting a fire.  If your family member has dementia, be certain that decorations do not have removable parts that could be eaten.
    • Always check with maintenance before setting up any decoration that has a cord. Do not set up multiple decorations with an electrical extension that has many outlets. Wires on the floor could be the cause of your family member or a staff member falling. If there is oxygen running in your family member’s room, you may not want to bring in anything electrical. One static spark can be turned into a flame with oxygen running.
    • Most nationalities consider the food they eat on the holidays just as important to the celebration as the decorations. Check with dieticians at facilities to be certain that your relatives can eat the food you plan to bring to them. Facilities are more than willing to make accommodations and exceptions on holidays, but it is not in the diabetics’ best interest to give them a pound of chocolates with the promise they will only have one a day. Lastly, be careful of giving anyone with a swallowing disorder (dysphagia) food that they could choke on. Nuts, peanut butter and ribbon candy are never a good choice. Be on the lookout for other residents who tell you they can have some of the food you have brought in. Always ask the nurse before giving another resident anything.
    It certainly sounds like I am trying out for the role of the Grinch.  There is nothing that ruins a holiday for a family than a preventable accident.  It’s always nice if you have the resources to give a little something to the residents of long-term care facilities who have no one. You would be amazed at how much nursing assistants give to residents that have no family. It’s always the ones who can afford it less that gives the most. If you wish to show your appreciation to the staff who care for your relative, bestow a gift to the entire unit. Indivi-dualized gifts are never a good idea.
    Medicare residents are allowed to go home for a holiday dinner.  Please call my office if you are dealing with any facility that states they cannot.  My staff will give the facility the Medi-care ruling on holidays
    All of us at the Alliance for Long-Term Care wish you and your families a very happy and safe holiday season.

    Kathleen Heren is executive director of the Alliance for Better Long-Term Care. You can contact her at (401) 785-3340.