Winter is here again and whilst we are enjoying some beautiful crisp and clear days, the cooler weather brings a range of health and wellbeing issues. We look at how you can be more comfortable in your home this winter and take care of your wellness this season.  

At Be we have a team of amazing people with a wide range of experience, and all committed to supporting our community to stay well and cared for. With that in mind, Be’s State Manager for Care Mandy Adams and Be’s Manager for Wellbeing, Health & Safety Jason Quelch have come together to share their advice on how you and your loved one can create a more comfortable environment in your home this winter.  

“When the weather cools down and we enter the winter months, older adults have a reduced ability to control and regulate their body temperature, as well as being more vulnerable to the side effects of winter illnesses. We want to support our clients to be more comfortable at home and stay well during the season” said Jason Quelch.

Heating 

You’ve dusted off the heater or electric blanket from storage ready to keep you toasty warm when the temperature drops however your first step should be to check your appliances. Check for frayed cords, loose plugs, or exposed wires. Clean dust off elements and ensure that they are securely attached. If you have found damage, it might be time to replace the item or call a licensed electrician. [1] 

The ideal temperature for heating your home in winter should sit at least 21°c. To ensure your home stays warm when you have the heating on, keep windows and curtains closed – especially at nighttime.  

Comfort food 

It’s this time of year where we are usually more vulnerable to colds and flus so its particularly important to include a diet that’s supports a healthy immune system. Eat food with high nutritional value and think about making your meals more colourful by adding a bit more colour from different types of fruit and vegetables.  As well as including protein, complex carbohydrates, good fats and oils. 

It’s the perfect time of year to get out the slow cooker or soup pot and enjoy a nutritious, warming and feel-good winter meal. Check out our previous article about nutritious and mood-boosting food here. 

“Supporting our clients to eat healthy and nutritious meals forms an important part of their Care plans. However sometimes clients can find it difficult to prepare these kinds of meals that involve lots of chopping of vegetables and heavy pots. Our care team can provide meal preparation to meet specific individual needs as part of our Home Care Packages,” said Mandy Adams.

Staying hydrated during the cooler months is just as important as in summer. This time of year can actually be worse for dehydration, as sweat evaporates more rapidly in the cold, dry air — which also further reduces the body’s sense of a need for thirst. [3]

Keep your body moving 

It might be tempting to stay rugged up indoors however physical fitness will help regulate blood pressure, improve your mood, strength and balance. Plus, the positive impacts of physical activity goo beyond physical health as it too can help to reduce stress by relieving tension and calming your mind, but it can also get you socialising. 

At Be we are big advocates for Ageless Grace. The Ageless Grace program is accompanied with music and based on everyday movements that are natural and organic, performed best with barefeet, in a chair and clients enjoying singing along to their favourite songs.  

“The beauty of our Ageless Grace classes is that they can really be performed anywhere! We often take classes to the waterfront and hold a class in the warm sunshine. Other times we will host Ageless Grace out of the elements and indoors,” said Many Adams. 

If you prefer to stay home, check out our catalogue of Ageless Grace videos online via Facebook here.  

Companionship 

If you find yourself or a loved one spending more time at home this winter, it is still important to maintain connections. Be’s companionship program is designed to offer one-on-one visits, pairing clients with one of our passionate and caring volunteers who will visit you regularly.  

“Social support is at the heart of all Be services which is why we are so passionate about bringing people in our community together. The program, otherwise known as CVS, is completely free. To be eligible to access the program participants need to be on a waitlist or receiving services through a Home Care Package or living in a Residential Aged Care Facility,” said Mandy Adams, Be State Manager for Care. 

Need support? 

At Be, we provide a range of home care, transport and social support services. If you or a loved one needs support, we can help. Call or send an online enquiry to one of our friendly staff members today. 

 

Source:
[1] Checking Your Heaters and Electric Blankets Before Winter
Supporting source:
[2] Queensland Government: Happier. Healthier 
[3] Nutritian and hydration