Santa Claus may be coming to town, but so is the cold weather, snow, and ice – sorry to be the bearer of bad news! This is a time of year that can be difficult for seniors in need of companionship and proper, quality caregiving services. At Choice Homecare Ottawa, we know how important it is to implement special procedures to keep such individuals in good spirits and optimal health. Here are our top tips.
Beat the Winter Blues
If there’s one thing that can trouble seniors in need of proper care, it’s the fact that they can’t go outside, enjoy the greenery and read a good book in the sun. And it hurts. Therefore, look for new ways to stimulate them and beat the winter blues at the same time while the weather outside is frightful. For instance, try switching to warmer-hued lightbulbs to cheer their indoor environment up a bit and do a bit of decorating with bright, vibrant colours (keeping Christmas décor up is a great way to achieve this, along with a fake tree with plenty of lights). Also, bring out the board games, fresh new novels, and upbeat music!
Slip, Trip, and Fall Protection
Winter is a dangerous time for anyone, let alone seniors with impaired mobility and fragile bones. You need to be extra-diligent about minimizing risks that could cause wipeouts in the snow or ice, especially if those you care for need frequent transportation to appointments or have other engagements that require them going outdoors. Do a daily “hazard check” to ensure floors, entryways, and hallways are clear of clutter, and make absolutely certain that driveways and paths outside are well-salted and clear.
Engagement and Socialization
Similar to chasing the winter blues away, it’s easy for seniors to get bored when stuck indoors for prolonged periods – and nobody wants cabin fever for Christmas! In all seriousness, there are plenty of ways to keep loved ones engaged and focused on anything but the cold and snow. Put on seasons of their favourite TV show, watch a lighthearted film (comedies are ideal), or simply play Scrabble until you’ve gone through every word in the dictionary. This helps keep the mind stimulated, and you can achieve the same with some good old-fashioned conversation – after all, it’s great to have someone to talk to, share stories and socialize with!
What tips do you have for senior care in the winter months?
Today, we focused on the mental health aspects of proper care during the colder months of the year as the risk of negative implications for not doing so can be higher. However, there are many other ways to look after older loved ones, and we hope this article has inspired you to learn more about them!