Keeping Residents Safe and Warm This Winter

As the temperatures drop and the winter months approach, keeping residents safe, comfortable, and warm is essential in care homes in Hampshire. Colder weather can bring additional challenges for older adults, from increased health risks to changes in physical and emotional well-being. Taking a few extra steps in planning for the seasonal changes can ensure that they remain cosy and healthy, and can continue to live the lives they deserve this winter. In this blog, we will outline our main tips on continuing to best support residents throughout the winter months.

Maintaining a Comfortable Indoor Temperature

One of the simplest ways to keep residents comfortable in the cold weather is by ensuring care homes provide a consistently warm indoor environment. Ideally, all room temperatures should be kept between 21°C and 24°C to prevent cold-related health issues or serious illnesses. Completing regular heating checks can help maintain a safe, reliable heating system throughout the season as well as providing cosy blankets, warm clothing, and comfortable layers as an extra shield against the cold, especially if they are going outdoors.

As well as making sure the care home stays warm in the colder months, taking residents to get their winter vaccinations or having a doctor visit the home is another way to ensure they stay healthy and avoid any winter bugs.

Warm and Nutritional Meals

Most care homes will have an in-house team of expert chefs who provide delicious and nutritional dining options tailored to the needs and preferences of residents. Meals such as soups, stews, and casseroles made with seasonal vegetables not only offer comfort but are packed with vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining overall well-being and combating the cold weather. Providing meals that are rich in healthy fats and proteins as well as hot drinks such as tea, coffee and warm milk also helps residents maintain energy and body warmth.

Keeping Residents Active

Physical activity is crucial for both physical and mental health, and it’s still possible to stay active when it’s cold outside. Gentle exercises, like stretching, seated yoga, and light aerobics, can be done indoors to boost circulation and help keep residents warm. Social activities, such as board games, arts and crafts, or indoor group exercises, are great ways to keep spirits up and encourage gentle movement, all while promoting a sense of community. Taking residents outside for walks and fresh air is also a great way to keep residents active in the winter, as long as they are wrapped up with layers to stay warm!

For residents with dementia, the winter is a great time to introduce further reminiscent or sensory activities. Those receiving dementia care should feel safe and comfortable within their home away from home throughout the winter, so making sure they still receive consistent support with ample opportunities to create bonds and engage their cognitive functions is essential.

Taking Extra Indoor and Outdoor Precautions

With icy paths, darker evenings, cold air and wet conditions, winter can pose additional safety hazards to those residing in a care home. However, there are simple measures that can be introduced to make sure residents stay safe. Inside the home, using non-slip rugs and maintaining good lighting can help prevent any falls and it's important to ensure that paths and entryways are free from ice and snow outside, making it safer for those who want to enjoy some fresh air. It is also essential to ensure there are ample staff members around to support residents with their daily activities and keep them safe, warm and well.

Individuals living with dementia can often experience side effects more than in the summer months. Taking further precautions to maintain their physical and mental well-being can allow them to keep doing the things they love without limits.

Providing Emotional Support For the Whole Family

Winter is often a time when the whole family comes together to spend time together, especially for Christmas. It is important to make sure that even though individuals may reside in a care home, they are still provided with opportunities to keep in touch with their loved ones. Regular visits, phone calls, or letters from family members and friends offer connections that can make a big difference to residents’ well-being. Maintaining social ties helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and brings joy to the day, reminding everyone of the importance of community.

Whilst the winter can be difficult for those residing at a care home in Andover, it's important to also provide support to their loved ones. They can also experience feelings of isolation, loneliness and worry. Most care homes adopt an open-door policy, inviting family members in for a chat or ensuring they feel involved through any in-house activities or events.

Exceptional Care at Harrier Grange Care Home in Andover

At Harrier Grange Care Home, we offer unrivalled levels of Residential Care, Dementia Care, Respite Care Nursing Care and Palliative Care around the clock. Our compassionate and dedicated team of care experts work tirelessly to ensure our residents receive an improved quality of life, especially in the wintertime. We understand the importance of keeping warm and providing an environment where residents can thrive and stay connected to those closest to them.

We believe that everyone should continue to do the things they love, no matter the time of year. Our care home offers several first-class facilities that support our residents with their daily activities including comfortable lounge areas, a cinema room, a hair salon & nail bar and luxury transport for residents who want to explore Andover.

Choosing a care home in the later months can be challenging, and we understand the struggles and feelings that can accommodate making a decision. Our wonderful team is on hand to answer any questions and help you decide if Harrier Grange is ideal for you or your loved one. Get in touch with us and book a tour today by calling us on 01264 252555 or emailing administrator@harriergrangecare.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.