How to Take Precautions During the Holiday Season

Carol Cummings, Brookdale’s Senior Director of Optimum Life, Engagement and Innovation, explains some safety precautions we can take to strive for a healthier holiday this year.

Because family members of many generations will gather together, the best way to keep yourself and your family members as safe as possible, according to the CDC, is to get vaccinated for COVID-19 if you’re eligible. If any of your family members are at increased risk for complications from COVID-19, either because of older age or chronic health conditions, it’s especially important to be vigilant.

The CDC suggests that when in a public place, it’s still important for everyone—even those who are fully vaccinated—to wear a well-fitting face covering over the nose and mouth, if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission. If you are at home with members of multiple households, you may want to consider extra precautions such as wearing a mask or taking a COVID test. It’s best to keep the gathering small enough for some social distancing to occur. And of course anyone who is sick or has symptoms should not host or attend a holiday gathering.

If you have an older loved one in a senior living setting, you may decide that it’s best for small groups of family to visit them in their community rather than large ones, especially if they have health conditions that put them at risk.

Many people travel to be with family at this time of year. The CDC has laid out some guidelines for those who are planning to travel for the holidays:

• Only travel if you’re fully vaccinated.
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth in airports, on airplanes, and in other indoor areas of public transportation.
• Don’t travel if you’ve been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19, or if you feel sick.

Finally, for some holiday fun with minimal close interaction with others, consider car trips to see lights and holiday decorations. Many communities publish lists of homes that decorate for the holidays, and may also feature drive-through light displays.

However you choose to celebrate this year, take precautions to help you and those you love stay healthy.