The Christmas Song ‘Let it Snow’ may be a classic, but the reality is, cold, icy and snowy weather can be frightful for many. Mobility concerns and isolation can really knock someone’s confidence for getting out in the winter. Here’s some products and safety tips to thrive this winter!
We would advise those who can stay inside in the warm as much as possible to avoid unnecessary journeys. Travelling out and around in extreme conditions means you are putting yourself into more hazardous situations, this could be slippery surfaces, icy walkways, or hidden hazards due to snow. Staying indoors is the warmest and safest place to spend the majority of your time.
If you are making journeys outside during times of heavy snowfall or icy conditions, be extra mindful and careful. One way you can help yourself in these situations is by using assistive equipment such as, walkers, or walking sticks with grips when walking outside.
Mobility Aids perfect for winter:
Able2 Comfort Grip Adjustable Folding Walking Stick is lightweight and easily folds down into four sections. To make your walking stick more stable in winter weather conditions why not add Tri Tip Ferrule to the end of your walking stick as it allows it to stand freely by itself for convenience. The three-pronged base also helps you keep stabilised and improve balance in conditions that are wet and windy that might affect your usual walking abilities.
Alternatively, why not consider a walking aid that allows you to have comfortable, safe breaks this winter? The Drive Tri- Walker with Seat is lightweight and portable, whilst offering stability and security to the user. The handle height can be adjusted, and the practical loop lock cable brakes can be easily applied. These brakes offer you that reliable support when you want to take a quick break and utilise the seat feature. This walker can offer convenience alongside safety and rest in weather conditions that are wet and cold.
For those of you staying at home, we acknowledge that it isn’t a cheap job to keep your house warm and insulated at no extra cost, however it’s vital to keep yourself warm and hydrated both day and night. We recommend reading our blog attached on tips with the best way to keep your house warm with the recent cut of winter fuel payments. https://www.premiercommunity.co.uk/fuel-payment-cuts-your-winter-guide/
Eating and drinking is another important aspect of health to consider when wanting to keep warm throughout the winter. Make sure to eat warm and nutritious meals to maintain energy and body heat. Warm winter soups, steamy pies and stews are a few ideas to consider for teatime.
Keeping hydrated is something that should be kept on in general but in winter maybe consider drinking warm fluids if you find it difficult to drink cold water when it’s cold outside. Warm fruity or herbal teas, warm broths or sipping on warm water can count to your hydration. If you find plain still water unappealing, you can always add a wedge of a citrusy fruit such as lemon or lime as well as many others that you might prefer.
The combination of a balanced diet and keeping hydrated are essential to stay warm and maintain energy levels, so remember to keep on top of fluid intake and avoid skipping mealtimes.
Ensure your house and surrounding are well lit. With the shorter days among us and the nights’ drawing earlier be mindful to turn on lights and nightlights when moving around to prevent falls during trips in nighttime to use the bathroom.
Tips on protecting your health and wellbeing:
With these practical tips in mind, we also want to remind that mental health is extremely important to care for as well as your overall health and well-being. With the cold winter weather and shorter days being infamous to leading to feelings of isolation, especially for elderly individuals who live independently and have limited mobility. It is important to stay connected with family and loved ones with regular visits if they are able to do so. For those snowy days, where conditions may be unsafe for family to get about make sure to stay connected via phone calls or video chats.
For more tips and advice on how to manage and control feelings of loneliness in the winter months, visit our blog about Seasonal Affective Disorder to know more information about this. https://www.premiercommunity.co.uk/managing-seasonal-affective-disorder/
As for family or friends that may know an elderly individual living alone, it is important to know the signs of depression and the feelings of loneliness as the lack of sunlight can affect mood. If feelings of sadness or depression persist, you can always consider our companionship care packages. Giving your loved one that regular friendly face would help keep the feelings of loneliness at bay and put your mind at rest. To read more about our companionship care services, please visit the link. https://www.premiercommunity.co.uk/home-care-services/companionship-care/
Our promise to you…
We are blessed with a community full of dedicated, passionate carers. It is our promise to care for your independence no matter what unforeseen circumstances come our way. We balance this promise with a commitment to keep staff safe enabling them to proceed with their job safely to deliver the best possible care. During times of adverse weather, we’d ask for some patience as calls may run slightly behind the planned schedule. We’ll do our best to communicate with everyone where possible.
