by Daizel Gasperian
I love this time of year! The holiday decorations with the twinkling lights and colorful flowers and ornaments, the delightful scents of pine, cinnamon, and hot chocolate, and the slight chill in the air (even in Southern California) all add to the festive atmosphere. It’s so nice to gather with family and friends to enjoy an overabundance of food, watch holiday movies in pajamas, wrap endless presents, and create lasting memories. However, it’s vital to prioritize safety, especially for those living with dementia. Because memory impairment presents unique challenges, it’s always good to be extra cautious and ensure everyone is safe.
To celebrate and appreciate the spirit of the season and its beauty with our loved ones in a safe environment, it’s best to avoid over-decorating with flickering lights and overstimulation of light and noise. Instead, focus on creating a safe and calm space by securing the Christmas tree, using battery-operated candles, and reducing clutter to avoid tripping hazards. Additionally, clear clutter, use safe lighting, and identify choking hazards to ensure a safe and crisis-free holiday season.
In all its beauty, some holiday plants can cause problems if ingested or touched. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Amaryllis: Eating the bulb can cause stomach aches.
- Christmas tree (pine, spruce, fir): Needles can cause choking but are non-toxic.
- Holly berries: Swallowing more than two berries can result in nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
- Jerusalem cherry or winter cherry: Swallowing the plant can result in vomiting, redness of the skin, drowsiness or restlessness, hallucinations, and, in rare cases – seizures may occur.
- Mistletoe: All parts of the plant contain toxic substances. If eaten, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
- Poinsettia: Eating many leaves may cause mild stomach upset. The sap may cause a skin rash and should be washed off with soap and water.
- Firethorn: Used in centerpiece decoration, eating large amounts of berries may cause stomach aches.
Additional important safety tips from calpoison.org include:
- Alcohol: It’s crucial to keep alcohol products locked out of sight, as alcohol poisoning is a serious emergency. Look for symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, unresponsiveness, vomiting, difficult or slow breathing, pale or bluish skin, and seizures. If you notice these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
- Bubble lights: These lights contain a small amount of methylene chloride found in paint removers. Chewing on an intact or opened light may cause mild skin or mouth irritation.
- Button batteries – Swallowing button batteries can cause serious injuries to the esophagus, leading to obstruction, severe burns, and permanent damage.
- Candles: Always keep candles away from trees or plants and use non-flammable holders. Place candles in a secure location where they cannot fall. Please do not leave lit candles unattended.
- Carbon monoxide: When using fireplaces, ensure that the chimney flues are fully open before use. Keep flammables away from floor furnaces, and ensure the Christmas tree stays fresh with water, keeping all sources of flame away from it. Remember to replace the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Look out for clues to carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches in several people simultaneously.
- Christmas tree ornaments: Ornaments can be made of glass, thin metal, styrofoam, or wood. If swallowed, they could cause choking or blockage in the intestines.
Keep emergency numbers by each phone or where it’s visible. Write the following information in large print so that anyone can read it in a hurry:
- The location or home address
- 911
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- Family member or friend to call and their contact number in case of emergency
- Healthcare provider’s office
It’s so important to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for everyone. Being aware of risks and staying prepared will help us to continue celebrating holidays for years to come. Let’s cherish the season and create more meaningful moments together.
