As winter descends upon us and the days grow colder and darker, it’s important to remember those who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather – the elderly. Our elderly community is at greater risk of cold-related health problems, so it’s important to think of ways we can show elderly care and help keep them safe and warm. In this blog post, residential care homes north wales explore five ways you can show elderly care during the winter.

1) Check Their Heating

The cold weather can be particularly difficult for elderly people, so one of the best ways to show elderly care during the winter is to check their heating system. It’s important to make sure that their home is warm and cosy, as well as safe from potential fires or other accidents.

One of the first steps is to make sure that the boiler is in good working order. If it hasn’t been serviced recently, it might be worth getting a professional in to take a look. Additionally, check for any drafts or cold spots in the home and make sure windows and doors are sealed tightly to keep the warmth in.

You may also want to consider getting an electric blanket or extra blankets if needed. Additionally, it’s important to remember that elderly people often feel the cold more intensely than younger adults, so make sure they’re wearing plenty of layers indoors and outdoors.

2) Check Their Food Supplies

As winter sets in, it is important to ensure that elderly friends and family have enough food to get them through the cold months. Many elderly people may struggle with getting out to the supermarket and may rely on food deliveries or assistance from their family or day care north wales.

It’s a good idea to check in with elderly friends or family members to ensure that they are well stocked up with enough food for the winter months. Depending on their circumstances, you may be able to help out by dropping off some items or assisting them in going to the supermarket. If they require food delivery services, you can also investigate local organisations that offer this service. 

3) Help Them Get Their Flu Jab

The most important thing you can do for elderly care during the winter is to ensure that they get their flu jab. Every year the NHS recommends that people over the age of 65 have a flu jab to protect them from the virus. It's free, safe and only takes a few minutes to get. For those who can’t make it to their local GP, there are many local pharmacies that offer vaccinations.

Flu is particularly dangerous for the elderly, so it’s essential that we take steps to help ensure that those in our community are well protected. The flu jab helps reduce the risk of catching the virus by up to 70% and can even reduce the severity of symptoms if you do catch it.

4) Check In On Them Regularly

It can be easy to forget about our elderly relatives during the winter, especially when temperatures drop and days become shorter. But checking in on them regularly is one of the most important things we can do to make sure they are doing okay.

Start by calling them every few days to ensure that they have everything they need, from food to medicine. Ask how they are doing and listen to their answers. You don’t necessarily need to offer advice; just being there to listen can make a huge difference in their lives.

5) Encourage Them To Stay Active

Another way to show elderly care is by encouraging them to stay active and engaged. Staying active during the winter months helps keep seniors physically and mentally fit, so it’s important to provide options for them to get out and about.

One great way to do this is to encourage seniors to take part in activities or classes at a local community centre. There are often a variety of activities on offer, from gentle exercises like yoga and tai chi to more involved pursuits such as dancing or art classes. Taking part in these activities can help boost morale and provide a much-needed social outlet during the colder months.