Cold Comfort – 6 Simple Winter Safety Tips For Seniors

New Zealand’s seasonal climate gives us the joys of autumn leaves, spring blooms and, of course, the winter chills. While many rejoice in the coming of winter it certainly can be less enjoyable for our senior citizens.

The colder months can be tough for those advancing in their years, as they tend to feel the temperature drop more. This is the time of year to make sure rest home residents keep warm and are regularly monitored for signs of winter illnesses and winter blues.

The coming of winter is a good reminder for rest homes to check everything is prepared for cold weather and the illnesses it can bring.

In New Zealand, flu season typically runs from March to September. For senior citizens this is something to take seriously. In New Zealand, flu-related deaths sit at around 400 per year, 86% of these are aged 65 and over. A simple cold can quickly lead to something more severe like respiratory problems and a hospital visit.

Vitamin D is a hot topic during winter too. A deficiency in this essential vitamin can cause lowered immunity and a higher likelihood of seasonal depression. Hypothermia is at the extreme end of winter maladies and the elderly are a high-risk group.

Here are a few considerations to keep front of mind this winter…

1. Dress for the season

Ensuring residents and patients are rugged up warm during winter seems like a no-brainer. Yet it can be difficult to keep track of what’s needed and ensure a resident is dressed correctly before heading out on a chilly day.

In most cases staying warm is as easy as a few extra layers and a good coat.

However in areas of the country that experience extremely cold temperatures dressing warmly is a serious issue – even occasionally indoors too.

Keeping toes toasty and heads warm is the best way to regulate body temperature, and who doesn’t love getting around in a fluffy pair of socks on a cold night? If residents are heading out, give them a quick check to ensure exposed skin is covered with gloves and a scarf.

2. Prevent slips and falls

For older folks any time of year can present opportunities for a fall. However in winter it pays to be extra vigilant. Rest homes typically have good procedures for monitoring hazards like wet floors or icy pathways in and around the rest home.

The risk can’t always be contained if residents head outside of the facility for a walk. And for the older generation, any fall is serious. Falls account for 75% of injury-related hospital admission in people aged 65 years and over. If a resident is heading out make sure they have a phone with them or, ideally, a buddy to go walk with.

3. Stay warm, stay comfy

Cold days and nights are the perfect excuse to stay inside and stay warm. Nothing says winter comfort like a cosy blanket. For rest homes, a good way to give residents the extra warmth and comfort factor is with extra warm blankets and luxurious throws on sofas or beds. An extra blanket or bed scarf (coverlet) not only adds an extra layer of warmth it can also add extra colour, perfect for cheering up a cold winter day.

4. Beat the winter blues

Winter’s short days can take their toll. Sunlight is a vital element for us all, regardless of age, and with fewer sunlight hours and prolonged periods of fog, rain and cloud, the winter blues can easily creep in.

Sometimes it only amounts to a day or two of not feeling 100 per cent, but when those feelings are prolonged, it can start to look more like depression. Often referred to as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), this persistent feeling of sadness and lack of energy can be a tough one to kick.

For those in rest homes, depression can often come from feelings of loneliness. Combine this loneliness with a lack of exercise and a lack of Vitamin D, and it’s easy to see how SAD can become a major challenge.

Getting sunshine is one of the simplest and most effective measures. Encourage residents to get out even when it’s cold, as just a small amount of light can do wonders to boost serotonin levels and mood. A visit from friends or family is another magic way to beat the blues.

5. Exercise for body and mind

Even though motivation may be low winter is no time to ditch the daily exercise routine. Exercise gives that all-important boost of endorphins and will lift mood almost instantly. Other gentle exercise routines ideal for those living in aged care facilities includes yoga, tai chi or aqua aerobics.

For residents who may be suffering from SAD, it may be difficult to find the motivation to get exercising. Start small and let them experience the improvement even a small amount of extra movement can bring.

6. A balanced diet

Don’t ditch the healthy diet just because it’s winter and all you can think about is ‘comfort food’. It’s important to keep an eye on the menu to ensure everyone maintains plenty of variety and plenty of vegetables.

A healthy diet is one of the best ways to ensure Vitamin D absorption, and many studies have shown the link between Vitamin D and mental health.

Vitamin D occurs naturally in beef liver, egg yolks, cheese and fatty fish like salmon. Some foods like milk are fortified with Vitamin D. As well as keeping mental and physical health in check, good nutrition keeps bodies strong and fit, which is a simple way to reduce the impact of falls and cases of flu.

If an elderly patient or a loved one seems a bit down this winter, check in on their diet, lifestyle and, of course, their winter wardrobe. Make an extra effort to spend some time together and, even better, head out for a walk. It doesn’t take much to get out in the sunshine on a cold day – only an extra layer or two.