FEATURE SEASONAL SAFETY


Experts at Ideal Carehomes, now part of the HC-One family of care homes share their advice to help seniors stay healthy during the winter months.


KEEP ACTIVE


Whilst the dark evenings and icy conditions outside may make it harder for older people to get out and about, this doesn’t mean exercise is off the cards. Instead, physical activities that can be done indoors such as tending to houseplants (indoor gardening) or at-home workouts can be used to stay active.


Lyndsay Sard, Home Manager at Millcroſt Care Home, said: “We all know that keeping active is important throughout the year, but in winter, it brings the added benefit of helping us stay warm too. Regular exercise keeps the heart healthy which can improve blood flow and circulation, helping areas of the body that people oſten feel the cold in, like hands and feet, to heat up.


“For those that have trouble moving too much, activities such as seated cricket can be a great way to stay active without overexerting themselves. Fitness sessions that can help improve balance and strength can also prevent falling or unsteadiness, these are all classes that we offer within our homes.”


EAT WELL


Eating a varied and nutritional diet can make a big difference in how our immune system functions and helps to prevent illnesses. This makes nutrition especially important during the winter months when seasonal coughs, colds and flu are more prevalent.


Seniors should ensure they eat plenty of nutrient-rich foods, such as fruit and vegetables, whole grains, meat, fish and pulses, to keep their immune systems working well over the winter.


Deborah Watkinson-Pope, Kitchen Manager at Brize Meadow Lodge, explained: “Winter is a great time to enjoy seasonal produce like carrots, kale, cauliflower and sprouts, which are all packed with vitamins, a source of fibre and at their most nutritious during these months. Vegetables work well in soups, making them the perfect warming meal for a chilly day.


“It’s also important to stay hydrated in the cold months as dehydration can cause body temperature to drop. Ensure


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older family members are drinking regularly – hot drinks will warm up the body quickly, but a glass of water works just fine if they’d prefer a cold beverage.”


STAY COSY


As we age, our bodies begin to lose muscle mass which means they have to work harder to regulate our temperature.


When the temperatures drop, seniors need to wrap up well using multiple layers of clothing, including a waterproof coat if they are going outside, to ensure they stay warm and dry.


Karen Williams, Care Home Manager at Lime Trees care home, said: “In the home, it’s great to have extra blankets, hot water bottles and thick jumpers to hand for older family members, as we welcome community members to pop in for a warm drink and some company. A cosy pair of slippers with good grip is also a must to keep their feet feeling toasty.


“It's important that our homes are kept to the perfect temperature 24/7 to ensure residents are always warm, to ensure sustainability in our eco-friendly homes we utilise ground source heat pump technology to do this.”


EMBRACE TRADITION


Sharon Troy, Home Manager at Ashworth Grange concluded: “Despite its problems, the winter season is full of fun and festivity, and this should be embraced! It’s the perfect time to take part in traditional activities and a great excuse for seniors to get more involved with their family and friends.


“For those living with dementia, these familiar traditions can bring back fond memories, helping them to feel at ease and improving their mental wellbeing. Whether it’s chatting over a hot chocolate or sending and receiving Christmas cards, these little moments in the season bring lots of joy and are important for keeping everyone’s spirits high.”


www.idealcarehomes.co.uk www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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