How to Help the Elderly Prepare for Cold and Flu Season

Suggestions from the Senior Healthcare Team from Home Instead

We all know what fall brings, and it is not just pumpkin spice lattes. It’s cold and flu season, that time of year when we get the runny noses, chest congestion, aches, pains, and fever that lasts for days. The demographics who are most susceptible to suffering from influenza (aka “the flu”) are children and the elderly. Seniors who contract the flu run a high chance of being hospitalized.

Reduce the chances of catching this year’s flu by being proactive. There are several steps you can take to prepare yourself or your senior. A personal support worker from Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo, ON can help you. We can help with establishing a regular sleep schedule or cooking nutritious meals. We love serving families in and around the Kitchener-Waterloo, ON area so that seniors in the community can age in place.

In Canada, over 12,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths related to the flu occur each year. People over 65 years old are considered to be at higher risk of serious complications from this serious illness. Here some important facts about Flu from Public Health Canada .

5 Tips to Help You and Your Senior Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

Avoid the flu and keep enjoying your life with family, friends, and pets when you take these steps:

• Get a flu shot: Stave off weeks of sickness by getting the current year’s flu shot. Nothing is 100% effective; however, this vaccine can keep you from spreading the virus to others, including your grandchildren. You may still get sick, but your symptoms should be much milder.
• Wash your hands frequently and adequately: Mom always told you to wash your hands before eating. It would help if you also did it before and after eating or cooking. Remember to do so after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or being around someone who is sick.
• Keep your hands away from your face: Do your best to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. These areas have mucous membranes that can absorb germs quickly. It a good idea to stay diligent in keeping surfaces that are frequently touched, clean. Doorknobs, handles, faucets, flush levers, etc. are prone to collecting germs.
• Stay away from others who are sick: As you age, your immune system is less robust, leaving you much more susceptible to catching a cold or the flu. Try to stay away from others who you know are sick, and the same goes if you become ill.
• Eat healthy: Eating nutrient-dense foods and avoiding others that do not give your body the required vitamins and minerals can keep your immune system ready to combat illness.
• Be sure to exercise: Nothing beats getting sick except for staying fit with regular exercise. It can be challenging to keep you or your loved one moving, but it helps keep you out of the hospital and living life to its fullest.

Senior Caregivers Support You, Your Family, and Your Health

Stay on top of the flu this season when you take the right steps. Hiring a senior caregiver from Home Instead is an excellent choice in the right direction. We support you and your aged loved one with a custom-designed plan to meet your family’s needs.