2 Holidays: Household Fall Hazards to Fix Before Senior Parents Come to Visit

Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injury for older adults—and during the holidays, the risk can increase dramatically. In this special holiday episode of Answers for Elders, host Suzanne Newman welcomes back aging-in-place expert Paul Kocharhook to focus specifically on identifying fall hazards throughout the home. When an aging parent visits and experiences a fall, it can result in injuries that permanently affect their ability to live independently. That’s why preparing your home for holiday visits isn’t just thoughtful—it’s essential.Paul Kocharhook, President of Pathway Design + Construction, walks listeners through the most common fall risks room by room, starting at the front entry and moving through living spaces, kitchens, and walkways. From uneven sidewalks, stairs without handrails, slippery porches, and poor lighting to throw rugs, cluttered pathways, and furniture placement, this episode helps adult children see their homes through fresh eyes. Suzanne and Paul share practical, real-world strategies to reduce hazards while maintaining a warm, welcoming holiday environment.Designed for adult children who own their homes and are hosting senior parents, this episode offers simple, actionable guidance to help prevent falls during the busy holiday season. You’ll learn how small changes—like improving lighting, securing rugs, clearing walkways, adjusting furniture, and organizing high-traffic areas—can make a significant difference in safety and peace of mind. If you’re welcoming an aging loved one this holiday season, this conversation provides critical insight to help protect their health, independence, and dignity while keeping the focus on family and connection.Pathway Design + Construction is a residential remodeling company that serves the Greater Seattle Puget Sound region in the state of Washington. With a specialty towards aging in place, Pathway tries to help you continue to evolve and live in your home long into the future.💠Visit PathwayDC.com at https://pathwaydc.com/ or call 206-937-4809 for more information. If you're in the Seattle area, mention Answers for Elders to get a free consultation. Paul will come out, check out your home, make sure that it is safe, and talk about different potential projects, whether for now or in the future.💠Pathway on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayDesignConstruction💠National Homebuilders Association website: 👉https://www.nahb.org✨ Connect with Answers for Elders💠Website: 👉 https://answersforelders.com/💠Answers for Elders Podcasts: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cGK67V8FFc&list=PLG0uokyjqq7DcX4US45BDh3kdK1H71FRY💠Aging in Place Checklist: 👉https://answersforelders.com/aging-in-place-checklists/💠Aging in Place podcasts: 👉https://answersforelders.com/tag/aging-in-place/