10 Tips for Supporting Your Relatives, Neighbours or Friends to Prepare Them For Winter.
As we are nearing the end of October, I think it is safe to say that the dark nights are officially drawing in and temperatures are starting to drop.
Whilst this does mean that we have some beautiful autumnal colours coming through on the trees, it can be a particularly difficult time for older people or those with mobility difficulties.
The risk of falling when people are out and about can increase and loneliness can worsen with the long, dark nights. People can feel increasingly isolated when the dark, wet and cold weather makes leaving their house, less appealing.
So here are my top 10 tips on how you can maintain you relatives, friends and neighbours wellbeing over the winter months.
1. Keep outdoor pathways clear and free of leaves and debris which can get very slippery when wet. Ensure that any outdoor lighting is working properly.
2. Keep an eye on the weather and keep food supplies stocked up. If there is prediction of a particularly snowy or icy day, ensure they have enough food that they do not have to worry about getting to the shops on those days.
3. Make sure shoes are in good condition and have good grip. Also ensure the grips on mobility aids have not worn down, and replace if so.
4. Stay Warm. When feeling warm, the brain sends signals to our brain which produces the hormone oxytocin, a chemical that boost out mental wellbeing. When we remain consistently warm, we can cope better with stress, enabling us to be in a more positive mental state.
5. Maintain social interactions, whether this is attending a local social or community group, seeing family or friends or popping to a nearby café. If you feel that there is the risk of an individual becoming increasingly isolated then the Enablement Support Service can help you to get out and about or can provide companionship whilst doing a fun activity in the home.
6. Stay physically active. You can do this by getting out for a daily walk, doing some gentle exercises or yoga, attending an exercise group or doing chores around the home. Staying active can help you to stay warm and supports good physical and mental health. It can also prevent deconditioning, which is when your muscles become weaker due to reduced movement over time. If you are unsure of how you can stay active, then get in touch and we can chat this through.
7. Have regular hot drinks and meals. Consider microwave meals if preparing a full hot meal is difficult. Consider joining a lunch club where they can get both a hot meal and have company.
8. A Falls Assessment by an Occupational Therapist can give specific and individualised advice on how to reduce the risk of falls both in the home and when getting around the local community.
9. Consider having a key safe fitted so that you can get in and out of their home without them having to let you in. Fit the key safe in area that is hidden from view of people passing by and only give out the number to people you trust (the less people who know, the better).
10. Stay connected, even if this is simply a daily phone call to check in. Consider using technology for video chats.
If you want to find out more about how I can support individuals to maintain safety and good quality of life during the winter months then contact me or call me on 07424555188.
