As the cold weather creeps up on us, it’s time to prepare our elderly loved ones for the chilly months ahead. The winter months can be a magical time, but they also come with their challenges. Here are some easy tips to ensure your elderly loved ones stay warm, safe, and entertained this season!
1. Check Those Hot Water Bottles
First things first—let’s talk hot water bottles! They can be the perfect companion for the elderly on cold nights and using them as the temperature drops can help you from reaching for the thermostat too early.
It is however, essential to ensure that hot water bottles are in a good, safe condition. Check the date on the bottle – you can learn how to do this here.
Most bottles have a lifespan of about 2-3 years, if it’s older, it’s time for a replacement. To check for leaks, fill the bottle with hot water, let it sit for a few minutes, then check for dampness. If it’s wet, it’s time for a new one.
2. Warm Up the Home
Making sure that their home is comfortable and warm can help keep the chill at bay and energy bills down. Here are a few simple tips to help:
– Draft-proofing: Use draught excluders on doors and windows to keep the warmth in and the cold out. These are easy to find and are sold in many popular stores including The Range & Dunelm. You can even make your own with old socks or towels—just roll them up and place them where cold air sneaks in!
– Curtains: Heavy curtains can help insulate windows. When the sun is out, open curtains to let in natural warmth, and close them early in the evening to help trap the heat inside and stop it from escaping.
– Layer Up: Encourage the layering clothes instead of cranking up the heat. A thick, warm jumper or a nice pair of cosy, soft slippers can make a world of difference! Keep blankets and throws nearby the sofa and bed. This way, they can cover up when they sit and relax, a time when cold is felt the most.
3. Keep Heating Costs Down
Keeping the home warm shouldn’t cost the earth. Here’s how to support your loved ones in staying warm and safe while saving money:
– Programmable Thermostats: If possible, install a programmable thermostat. Set their thermostat to lower the temperature at night and during the day when no one is home. This can lead to significant savings on the heating bill!
– Regular Maintenance: Make sure to check that heating systems, radiators, and any electric blankets are in good working order. A little maintenance can boost efficiency and help avoid any surprises when the temperature really drops!
– Use Rugs: Adding rugs can help insulate floors and create a warmer atmosphere. They’re especially great for chilly tiles in homes without carpets.
– Check For Help: Be sure to look into any government grants and assistance they might qualify for to help with the cost of living. There are many energy grants and and winter fuel payments available for seniors to support them throughout the year, particularly the winter months – learn more here.
4. Keep Them Entertained
When the clocks change, longer nights can mean more indoor time. Keep your loved ones spirits high with these fun activities:
– Craft Time: Knitting, painting, or scrapbooking can be enjoyable for pensioners and family members suffering with dementia. Bringing out old photos to scrapbook often results in your loved one sharing precious stories and memories. Plus, it’s a lovely way to make handmade gifts for loved ones, perfect for Christmas presents.
– Movie Nights: Set up a movie night complete with popcorn and their favourite movies. Why not invite family members round to join in and make a night of it, a nice change from a pop-in visit over a cup of tea.
– Board Games and Puzzles: Bring out the board games or jigsaw puzzles. They’re perfect for sparking some friendly competition and keeping the brain active! A wonderful way to encourage those suffering with demential or memory loss to keep their minds working.
– Facetime and Video Calls: Help stay connected with family and friends through video calls. Even a short call can brighten their day and help them feel less isolated. Seeing family members on a video can feel much more interactive than a simple call. The perfect solution to stay connected when cold season hits and you wish to keep loved ones safe without putting their health at risk.
With a bit of small preparation, we can help our elderly loved ones to navigate the autumn and winter months comfortably and happily without the worry being able to afford using the heating . From ensuring their hot water bottles are safe to creating a warm and engaging home environment, these small steps can make a big difference.