Helping your Senior Stay Healthy this Winter

Cold and flu season has arrived, and this can put many people on high alert. Although these illnesses are usually a minor inconvenience for most people, for seniors they can pose greater risk. Some seniors have underlying health problems that can make battling these germs more difficult or lead to complications. There are several ways that you can help your loved one to boost their health this winter and reduce risk of getting sick:

• Get vaccinated. This doesn’t mean just your aging parent – this means you and your family too. When caregivers and loved ones are also vaccinated, it can reduce the risk of them getting ill and spreading these germs to seniors. Your doctor may also recommend that your senior get the pneumococcal vaccine which can reduce risk of pneumonia.
• Wash your hands. Ensure that your loved one has plenty of soap or hand sanitizer available. Whenever you go out in public or even touch commonly used objects, it is a good idea to wash your hands. Remind them to always wash up before and after eating or using the restroom.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. Getting the proper amounts of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can boost the immune system, ward off illness, and keep your elderly parent’s body stronger. What they eat will make a difference in how they feel, so ensure that they are eating right. An in-home caregiver can assist with shopping and meal preparation to reduce stress on your senior and make sure they have meals available.
• Rest up. Sleep helps your body to repair itself and fight off germs. If your senior is not getting enough sleep, it can leave them feeling run down and weaken their immune system. When they are well rested they will have more energy and their body can heal.
• Stay active. Physical activity is also important to staying healthy. Even something as simple as taking a brisk walk can be beneficial. Since walkways can be snowy or icy in the winter, consider alternative options such as the gym, school track, or even the mall. Exercise can improve circulation, heart health, and immunity which can all improve overall health.
• Keep warm. Seniors can be more sensitive to the cold and lose body heat more quickly. Get their heating system checked to ensure it is working properly and seal up cracks along doors and windows. Make sure they dress warmly if going outside and have blankets and hot water available in their home.

These are just a few ways that you can help your senior to ward off illness this winter and boost their health. If you are concerned about their safety and wellbeing, hire an in-home care provider to check in and assist them with daily tasks. Senior services through Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville can support your loved one by helping them prepare meals, remember to take medication, schedule appointments, get in and out of bed, and more. Contact Always Best Care at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online to learn more about available senior services and schedule a consultation.

Helping Your Senior Prepare for Winter

Winter days are approaching and that means colder weather and the chance of snow and ice accumulation. These changes can pose a threat to seniors if they are not prepared. If winter weather should strike, families can rest easier knowing that their loved one is safe and has adequate supplies. Here are some ways you can help to winterize your senior’s home:

Check the heating system

Temperatures can quickly drop during the winter making proper heat an even greater necessity. Seniors are often more sensitive to changes in temperature and may get cold more easily. Schedule a maintenance call to have their heating system checked to ensure it is in proper working condition. Replace filters and make sure they know how to set the system to a comfortable temperature. Also check smoke detectors as well as carbon monoxide detectors and put in fresh batteries. This will alert your senior so they can escape potentially dangerous situations.

Keep pantries and supplies well stocked

Make sure that your senior has plenty of non-perishable foods, bottles of water, and emergency medications. Stock up on batteries, flashlights, blankets, and other essentials in case the power should go out.

Have salt for walkways

Keep a container of salt on hand for when your senior ventures out. They can sprinkle it on icy patches or on wet surfaces to help prevent freezing. Make arrangements for someone to clear their walkway or driveway after a storm so that they do not have to do this themselves. If they are part of a homeowners association, the association may take responsibility for snow removal. In other cases, neighborhoods are often full of teenagers or young adults who would be willing to help out.

Seal doors and windows

Older homes especially can have cracked or broken seals around doors and windows. Consider replacing or repairing these seals or adding extra protection. Placing a draft stopper along the bottom of doorways and across window sills can also reduce the amount of cold air that enters and heat that escapes.

Check in frequently

Call or stop by to check in on your loved one. If you aren’t available, make arrangements with a reliable friend or neighbor, or use an in-home care service. Knowing that someone is regularly visiting with, checking in on, and assisting your senior can give you peace of mind as to their safety, health, and wellbeing. 

Don’t let the winter weather get ahead of you. Make plans now to assist your senior in preparing for the season and ensuring that they have everything they need.