As the weather starts to warm up and flowers begin to bloom, it's a great time to think about how to care for elderly loved ones. Spring can be an especially enjoyable time for the elderly as they have the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Some elderly loved ones, with limited mobility or living on their own, may find getting outdoors challenging - this is something a Live-in Carer can help with, and ensure your elderly loved ones are safe whilst enjoying favourite activities.
We put together some of our top tips on how to help elderly loved ones enjoy springtime!
Encourage outdoor activities
Spring is a great time for elderly people to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Encourage them to take walks with you or their Live-in Carer, sit outside on a lovely warm day, or go on picnics. However, make sure they are dressed appropriately for the weather and protected from the sun with hats and sunscreen. For some elderly individuals putting on clothes can be difficult. Arranging a Live in Carer helps your loved ones with tasks such as getting ready in the morning.
What to wear in spring depends on the weather conditions and personal preferences. In general, we would recommend comfortable and breathable clothing that can easily be layered to adjust for changing temperatures!
Consider light jackets or cardigans to layer over tops or dresses. Comfortable trousers or jeans that are not too tight or restrictive is a also good choice. Shoes should be comfortable and supportive, and appropriate for the planned activities. Lightweight scarves or shawls can be added for warmth or to protect against the sun.
Check in on elderly health
Spring allergies can be a real problem for many of us, especially elderly individuals. It’s important to ensure they have necessary medications or treatments to help alleviate their symptoms.
Make sure they are staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet. A healthy diet for elderly people should focus on getting all the nutrients they require while also taking into account any dietary restrictions or health conditions. The general guidelines for a healthy diet for elderly suggest that the focus should be on a variety of fruits and vegetables - remember 5 a day! These are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
Incorporate lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, beans, and nuts. This can help with maintaining muscle mass and keeping elderly feeling full.
When possible, give a preference to whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread instead of refined grains like white rice and white bread.
Domiciliary Carers can help your loved ones to choose the diet that will make them happy. They can also assist in preparing the meals. If necessary, Live-in Carers can speak with their health professionals if their Clients have any specific dietary concerns or restrictions related to their health conditions.
Spring cleaning
Spring cleaning is a tradition for many, but it can be a difficult and tiring task for the elderly, especially if they live on their own. You can arrange a Live-in Carer who can help with chores and tasks around the house - your loved ones will get help with cleaning and decluttering!
Plan outings
Spring is a great time to plan outings with elderly, such as trips to gardens or outdoor markets. This trips can be planned ahead for any accessibility needs. You can consider bringing along any necessary equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs.
Stay connected
Spring can be a great time for elderly to reconnect with friends and family. Make sure to stay in touch with regular phone calls or visits. Consider helping them set up virtual communication tools such as video calls or social media to keep connected to loved ones who may be far away. Live in Care is a great way of making sure that your elderly loved ones don’t feel lonely!
Address any mental health concerns
Spring can be a difficult time for elderly who may experience feelings of loneliness or depression. Any mental health concerns should be addressed, and counselling or support groups can be a great help. But we are strong believers that the best way to combat loneliness is direct human interaction, and Livein Care offers this interaction!
If you are considering Live-in Care for your elderly family members or friends and would like more information about it, contact our friendly team on 01264 319 399. We’ll be delighted to help!