Tips for caring for an elderly loved one during the cold fall and winter months

The winter season is upon us; it is now too uncomfortable to be outside for walks in the parks or picnics in the park. It can be a harsh and slightly depressing season for everyone, both outside and inside the home.

This experience of the uncomfortable cold outside, dryness indoors due to heaters and the early setting of the sun can be very brutal, especially for our elderly love ones. However, it doesn’t have to be that way!

Here are a few tips from Our Caregivers at NorCal Individual Care that can help elderly loved ones get by and even enjoy the winter months:

The first thing to be prepared for in the winter is flu season. The flu is one problem that makes winter unbearable! In order to ensure the elderly are prepared for flu season, it is important for them to get flu shots before the season arrives. Flu shots should be taken annually, to combat changes in the type of flu virus of the season. In addition to that, it is important to ensure that hands are constantly washed and that it is warm indoors.

In terms of warmth, it is very important to keep the home well insulated. It is just as important to monitor the heat indoors to ensure that it is not set at uncomfortable temperatures, it should not be too hot or too cold. Ensure that the heating system in the home is serviced each year. Also, to counter the dryness that the heat can generate, it is important to purchase a humidifier. This will help prevent the sore throats and feelings of malaise that the heat indoors can cause. A hot water bottle is a very useful gift to give during the winter!

The second thing to do is to ensure that they are keeping healthy by remaining active. It is very easy to fall into a cycle of unhealthy and sedentary living during the winter. This is because the cold makes our beds and blankets so enticing and spending days hurdled in bed, the favored activity.

Spending too much time indoors can take a toll on health and it is advisable to keep moving especially during the winter months. Movement generates body heat, which ensures that the body is kept warm naturally. Elderly loved ones should be encouraged to walk around. Prepare them warm drinks throughout the day to keep that warm feeling and keep them hydrated. Spread out household chores throughout the day to ensure they are in constant motion.

Exercise is the sure way to maintain high spirits throughout the winter. There are also exercises that do not require too much movement, like moving the arms and legs, in case walking is not possible. You can join them in exercising; play their favorite music and move around with them!

The third thing is nutrition. Without good food, it will be difficult for elderly loved ones to make it through the winter. To ensure that they are well nourished, serve them warm meals that consist of a balanced diet, including five servings of fruits and vegetables. Keep them well hydrated with water and also lotion for the skin, as winter is harsh on the skin too.

To counter the early setting of the sun, ensure that they maximize the sunlight by going outside at least once a day to get some much needed light and fresh air. Ensure that when they go outside, they are dress warmly from head to toes, especially keeping the hands warm. The winter definitely feels like a curse without gloves!  Ensure that their shoes worn outside have firm grips to avoid and slipping or falling.

Most importantly, to keep them feeling invigorated during the winter, it is important to continue their usual schedule. Do not allow the winter cold disrupt their usual routines or social arrangements. Ensure to check that they are doing something fun each day. Call them to talk as often as possible, to ensure that they are not feeling isolated or depressed due to the weather.

You can also purchase magazines, novels and crossword puzzles to help them enjoy the time indoors. Sudoku is one game that can keep the mind sharp and entertained. It may also be helpful to (if affordable) get them a computer if they don't have one and video conference with them. There is nothing more warming than talking with and seeing ones loved ones wherever they are!

With these few tips, the winter will seem like a breeze and before you know it, spring will have sprung!