As winter sets in, seniors need to be prepared to stay safe, comfortable, and healthy. Winter can provide challenges for seniors, who may be more susceptible to cold-related complications due to diminished circulation, limited mobility, and a slower metabolism. The good news is that with home care assistance services, seniors can better adapt to the coldest months.
Preparing the Home
Ensuring the home is ready for winter is a primary priority. Family members will need to have the heating system checked, and if necessary, schedule maintenance before the cold sets in. Additionally, with home care assistance, seniors can note where drafts are and coordinate the installation of draft stoppers or weather stripping on windows and doors to improve insulation and keep the home warm while using less energy, which saves seniors money. Finally, loved ones might also explore installing a programmable thermostat that keeps the home warm while seniors are awake but lowers the temperature during the nighttime while they’re sleeping as another way to save money.
Proper Clothing
It’s important to encourage seniors to dress in layers, which provides better insulation and allows them to adapt their attire as the weather changes throughout the day. Thermal underwear, thick socks, scarves, and caps might all be needed, depending on where they live. Additionally, because seniors lose heat more quickly, keeping extra blankets within easy reach might help them stay warm. Finally, for seniors, warm, slip-resistant slippers can help prevent falls, rather than regular socks.
Nutritional Support
In the winter, the body expends more energy to stay warm, making a balanced diet even more important. With home care assistance, seniors can understand the importance of stocking up on nonperishable, easy-to-prepare foods such as soups and canned veggies. Also, a vitamin C and D-rich diet may help boost immunity and compensate for the lack of sunlight during the winter months. Seniors might also consider vitamins to supplement their diet but should talk with their doctor first.
Staying Active
Physical activity improves circulation, promotes mood, and strengthens muscles to help with balance—all of which are important for seniors throughout the winter. With home care assistance by their side, seniors can be encouraged to explore indoor workouts such as stretching, yoga, and basic chair exercises to keep the body moving. Also, hobbies, reading, and puzzle solving can keep the mind occupied, which is beneficial to emotional well-being during the shorter, darker days.
Safety Measures
In addition to wearing non-slip slippers, it’s important for loved ones to assess the house for tripping hazards, not just on the inside but also on the outside. Keeping paths, driveways, and stairs clear is key to ensuring senior safety. If seniors must go outside, they should be encouraged to wear sturdy footwear with adequate traction.
Health Precautions
Colds, flu, and other respiratory disorders are especially common throughout the winter. With home care assistance, seniors can be reminded to wash their hands frequently and maintain social distancing if they are around people who are ill. It is also a good idea to encourage them to talk with their healthcare team about any medications that may increase cold sensitivity or dehydration.
Supporting the health and comfort of seniors during the winter months requires a combination of physical, dietary, and safety measures. By planning ahead of time and utilizing home care assistance, seniors can enjoy the winter months with less worry.
Sources: https://www.fema.gov/blog/7-winter-safety-tips-older-adults
https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/tip-sheet-winter-safety-older-adults
https://www.onemedical.com/blog/preventive-care/winter-safety-tips/
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Assistance in Livingston TN, please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (931) 208-1019
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Cookeville, Algood, Baxter, Monterey, Sparta, Smithville, Livingston, Dodson Branch, Gainesboro, Putnam County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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