3 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
Suggestions to Keep You Safe when the Mercury Drops
Snow angels, toboggans, skiing, ice hockey – all terms that remind you of fun as a kid in your early years. Back then, going outside was easy. You never seemed to notice the cold. Your mother worried more about you catching a cold than you did. All you knew is that the powdery stuff was falling, and you needed to make it to the hill for some sledding. Fast forward a few decades, and going out in the bitter winter weather may affect your health. Staying inside is the norm instead of the exception. However, sitting in your chair wishing you were outside is no way to live your best years yet.
Stay healthy and safe during the long winter months with some proactive steps and the help of a Personal Support Worker (PSW) from Home Instead in Hamilton. Our highly trained team is ready to assist you with keeping you or your loved one moving and enjoying life. We tailor our services to fit your senior’s needs with personal care, household duties, and meals and nutrition. Let us serve your aging parents so they can continue aging in place.
Winter Health Tips for Seniors to Keep Safe in the Cold
While aching joints may make it harder to make snow angels, it is still possible to enjoy the winter while staying safe. Here are a few tips to help:
- Eat well: Nutrition cannot be underestimated. As a senior, your mom’s immune system can weaken, making it harder for her to recover from injury or illness. Help her begin or maintain healthy eating habits to shore up her immune system. For those times when you cannot get in the kitchen to prepare her meals, a PSW from Home Instead can step in.
- Get outside for some exercise: As long as there is no specific health reason to stop your dad from heading out, encourage him to take short walks as the weather permits. It is imperative to dress in layers and use a scarf to cover his mouth and nose. Remember to have him wear a hat to keep his body heat in. Because of the dangers of slipping, Dad should have proper footwear and avoid going out when icy.
- Engage with others: When the weather outside is frightful, many of us want to hole up in the house. The problem comes when a senior is stuck at home and cannot engage socially with others. It can lead to loneliness and depression. Making phone calls or stopping by for a cup of coffee can help. The companionship care of a professional caregiver is another viable option to ward off the blues.
Beat the Winter Blues with Home Instead Senior Healthcare in Hamilton
Don’t let the blistery weather bring your senior down. Let them enjoy the outdoors with some help from a senior caregiver at Home Instead. Our team is dedicated to supporting you and your aged loved one with a custom designed service plan to meet your family’s needs.