As demand for security services increases across all industries and regions, some organizations are stepping up their on-site guard coverage more than ever. We at The Guard Alliance have observed a significant uptick in the number of requests from senior living communities and assisted care homes. During last year’s holiday season, this increase was especially acute, with retirement communities across the country bolstering their temporary and permanent security guard teams to help manage the added visitor and vendor traffic.
The holiday season brings joy, warmth, and celebrations—but for residents of retirement communities, it also brings unique security and safety challenges. Whether you’re managing a senior community or helping a loved one with independent living, ensuring robust security during the festive period is crucial. Here are ten practical tips to help senior living communities improve security and create a safe holiday experience.
10 Holiday Security Tips for Senior Living Communities
- Reinforce access control and visitor management
Holiday gatherings often increase visitor traffic. Most senior living communities already use secure entry systems with gated access, key cards and cameras. Ensure visitor check‑ins are enforced and that staff are vigilant about unregistered guests. - Increase lighting and surveillance around common areas
Longer nights and festive lighting setups can create shadows and blind spots. Make sure walkways, parking lots, and lobbies are well-lit and monitored. - Manage decorations with safety and security in mind
Holiday décor adds cheer, but cords, garlands, and decorations can create tripping hazards or obstruct safety equipment, such as grab bars. Ensure decorations don’t block exits or impede access control systems. - Monitor for scams and cyber‑risks targeting older adults
During the holidays, older adults are particularly vulnerable to phishing, gift‑card scams, and identity theft. Provide residents and families with quick alerts and education about fraud. - Ensure staff training and emergency protocol refreshers
With holiday schedules and possibly reduced staffing, it’s critical to review emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and communication plans. Senior living security experts highlight the importance of resident/staff training. - Secure resident belongings and communal gift exchanges
Gifts, valuables, and extra visitors increase the opportunity for theft or loss. Consider supervised gift exchange areas and clear policies for valuables in shared spaces. - Plan for weather‑related security issues
Snow, ice, or severe storms can increase risks around entryways, outdoor lighting, and property access. Use the holidays as a reminder to inspect and clear critical areas. - Maintain clear communication with families and residents
Share security policies for holiday events (e.g., hours of access, visitor check‑ins, after‑hours entry). Transparency fosters trust and helps prevent confusion during high-traffic periods. - Set up supervised and accessible common‑area holiday events
As one article on senior living emphasizes, celebrations in assisted living must account for mobility, cognitive abilities and safety. Consider staff‑monitored lounge areas for gift‑giving or tree‑lighting events rather than allowing ad hoc unsupervised gatherings. - Review and test all technology systems ahead of the Christmas and holiday rush
That includes badge systems, emergency pull‑cords, cameras and intrusion alarms. A recent guide to senior living security notes that a strong ROI in this sector comes from keeping systems updated and functioning.
Contact The Guard Alliance
The Guard Alliance has assisted hundreds of retirement communities and assisted care facilities across the United States since 2010. In that time, we’ve maintained long-term deployments, as well as temporary services to boost existing guard teams or fill gaps. Our unarmed, armed, vehicle patrol, and fire watch guards deploy to most US cities within hours and are ready to help your team achieve your safety and security goals.
If you need guards on-site today, contact us immediately.
