Blog | November 3, 2023

Winter Preparation Tips For Older Adults

There are many things to love about winter. From cozying up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate to strolling through a holiday market, the season can bring a lot of joy, restoration, and relaxation to our lives.

While winter can certainly be a wonderful time of year, this season also comes with its challenges, especially for older adults. Increased darkness and worsening weather conditions leave many older adults isolated. For older adults living far away from loved ones, the amount of time spent with family and friends can decrease drastically, which can lead to loneliness and depression. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to help the older adults in your life combat these challenges during the winter season.

Stock Up on Supplies for Your Loved One

Older adults may have a harder time running errands during the winter given the weather and limited access to transportation. With the weather also comes ice, which can pose a fall hazard for older adults looking to venture into the community. If possible, make time to help your loved one by helping pick up the essentials, like groceries, medication, and other household supplies. If this is not a feasible course of action, consider getting your loved one set up with a weekly meal kit service, like Meals on Wheels. Getting to know your loved ones’ neighbors can also help to ensure they have someone who can check on them when you are unable to make the trip.

Set Up Weekly Video Calls

Video calls are a great way to keep in contact with your loved ones when the weather makes it impossible to meet up consistently. Take some time ahead of the winter season to show your loved one how to operate video call equipment like Skype or Zoom on the electronic device of their choice. This is a great way to increase social connection when face-to-face contact isn’t possible.

Discuss Making the Move to Assisted Living

A 2015 Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation article notes that people using mobility devices saw a decrease in community participation during the winter. This was due to several environmental barriers, including becoming stuck in the snow, cold hands when trying to push buttons, slipping on the ice, and difficulty with inclines and ramps. As older adults face increased mobility issues as a result of the weather, consider having the conversation about moving to an assisted living residence. For older adults who require support with day-to-day activities, the convenience that comes with in-house amenities and care services can help relieve your loved one’s anxiety and stress.

At Trico LivingWell, not only does our assisted living program offer comprehensive accommodations, personalized care services, and diverse dining options, but weekly enrichment programming and activities that support active living, community building, and lifelong learning. Our building has also been designed with safety and mobility in mind – with heated sidewalks to prevent falls, suites featuring barrier-free bathrooms and doorways, and a 24/7 onsite emergency healthcare response, we ensure that your loved one has everything they need to enjoy the best parts of the winter season.

Book a tour with us today to learn more Winter Preparation Tips For Older Adults!

Blog | November 3, 2023