We’re well into winter. Whether we like this part of the year or not, we still have to face the challenges which come with the season. Slippery roads and freezing-cold air are just two of them.
If you’re dealing with senior home care, you have to be even more careful.
Not that winter is a season you should fear, rather a time which requires extra attention.
What does this imply? These five tips will answer your question.
Reduce the Risk of Falls
One of the most encountered winter hazards for seniors is slipping on frozen surfaces.
As a caretaker, maybe you don’t have the time to be by their side all the time. And even if you do, you have to allow them some space so they feel more independent.
Try to offer constant reminders regarding potentially dangerous areas seniors might encounter while doing their usual activities.
For extra safety, examine their living environment. Here are aspects to look out for:
- Slippery floors – cover them with carpet
- Wooden items
- Metal objects they could trip over
A simple way to avoid these kinds of accidents is to offer seniors a pair of slippers which grip well to the ground.
Another easy trick is to clear the walkway of snow and maybe use antifreeze in front of the house.
It’s better to be thorough than having to confine your loved one to a hospital room during winter.
Design an Emergency Plan
To prevent natural hazards catching us unprepared, there are protocols and frameworks outlining what procedures to be followed first to minimize losses.
The same principle could apply to senior home care.
Here is what you can do to prepare for electricity malfunctions or other unexpected situations:
- prepare a bag containing healthcare basics and a spare set of clothes
- find a trustworthy contact person who could host seniors temporarily
- communicate the plan and post it somewhere where it’s easily visible
- encourage and assist the elders by suggesting smartphone applications which would come in handy in case of an emergency
Monitor Nutrition
When the weather is nice, it’s easy to make senior home care incorporate the necessary amount of walks for an active lifestyle. Not the same can be said about the winter time when temperatures drop significantly.
That’s why food intake has to be carefully thought of.
First, make sure there is at least a hot meal per day. Plus, balance out fats and veggies carefully. A good idea would be to shop for products rich in vitamin D to make up for the little sun exposure.
Prioritize Activity
Closely related to smart nutrition, activity is a source of positive effects during winter:
- It avoids mood swings or depression
- It provides a fun setting for social interaction
- It can be performed at home
Alongside physical activity, seniors also need mental stimulation. This can be found in reading, playing board games, or watching movies.
Check with local libraries or churches to see whether there are special programs designed for this demographic.
Accept Professional Senior Home Care when Needed
Working full time and providing ongoing care for aging parents would be an ideal scenario. But often, it proves to be unattainable.
If you find yourself in the latter situation, don’t hesitate to accept professional help. After all, getting overworked won’t benefit anyone.
Having understood that, the Skylark Senior Care team is here to make things easier and provide excellent care. Contact us to see for yourself.
