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Connect with a Lifestyle Leasing ConsultantBlog | December 21, 2024
Winter Preparation Tips For Seniors
Winter can be a time of both joy and challenges. While the festive season and new year bring opportunities for cozy gatherings and celebrations, they can also present unique hurdles for the older adult community. Whether living in a retirement living community or at home, seniors can often face isolation in the winter due to travel restrictions, as well as difficulties with attending appointments and completing everyday errands.
In this blog, we’ll explore ways to promote well-being and address common concerns many seniors face during this time of year.
Seek Support for Winter’s Challenges
Poor weather and limited access to transportation can make it increasingly difficult for seniors to tackle errands like grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions. Furthermore, the icy sidewalks that come with cold weather pose an additional hazard for those looking to venture into the community.
If possible, ensure a family member or friend can help the seniors in your life pick up essentials like groceries, medications, and other household items, or if necessary, consider a weekly meal kit service like Meals on Wheels or temporary home care to help them get through the winter months. Take the opportunity to get to know their neighbours to ensure there’s always someone available to check in on them.
At Trico LivingWell, our residents have access to dining, amenities, fitness, and social activities without leaving the comfort of our retirement living community. Our indoor amenity space features everything from a beauty salon and fitness centre to an art studio, a woodwork shop, and a theatre. Dining options are vast and reflect a variety of dietary needs, and for those who need it, wellness clinics are offered onsite frequently to ensure residents can meet with healthcare professionals.
Schedule Regular Video Calls with Loved Ones
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 get familiar with video call applications such as FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom so you can stay in touch with friends and family members throughout the winter. Video calls are a great way to increase social connection when face-to-face contact isn’t possible.
Take a look at these helpful tutorials for setting up and using popular video calling apps:
At Trico LivingWell, our front desk team is more than happy to provide assistance in setting up and connecting video calls, as well as any other small tasks our residents require help with.
Ensure Your Home Environment is Safe and Supportive
Creating a safe and comfortable home environment is essential for well-being during the winter months. Ensure that living spaces are adequately heated and well-lit to prevent falls and promote a sense of security. Pay close attention to potential hazards such as icy walkways or inadequate insulation, and take steps to address these issues promptly.
Winter’s shorter days and social limitations can sometimes contribute to feelings of sadness or anxiety. It’s important to be attentive to the emotional well-being of seniors and create a space for open communication. Encourage them to express their feelings and concerns, and be prepared to offer support and connect them with mental health resources if needed.
Trico LivingWell is committed to taking a holistic approach to wellness, and that means caring for the intellectual, emotional, and social needs of seniors who live with us. We provide the necessary resources for our residents to pursue enrichment and meaningful connections with neighbours, friends, family, and the community at large. When it comes to physical health, we’ve designed our building with safety and mobility in mind, with heated sidewalks to prevent falls, barrier-free bathrooms and doorways, and, of course, 24/7 onsite emergency healthcare response.
Consider Joining the Trico LivingWell Senior Community
For many seniors, the best option year-round is making the move into a thriving senior community like Trico LivingWell. If you’re ready to explore the benefits of living at Trico Living Well, contact us today to schedule a tour.
