It’s the most wonderful time of the year. A truism in your younger years, for sure, and in middle age perhaps, but for the elderly, this isn’t always the case. Not only can that sense of loneliness and isolation that afflicts many pensioners be heightened, but the season can also be fraught with new risk and danger, outdoors and in. Seeing as the festive season is one of generosity, give the gift of compassion this year, with these; our 5 IDEAL ways to help care for aging relatives this Christmas.
CALL IN MORE OFTEN
It seems so simple but can get overlooked, as life gets busy and stressful over the festive season, but calling in (or simply calling) more often, if only for a cup of tea and chat, is a great way to help those confined to the indoors. Even if it’s just to lend company rather than a hand, the conversation and human warmth will be so appreciated. During the festive season, when it’s all systems go on the mulled wine, work do’s and last minute Christmas shopping, those who make the least noise can be sadly neglected. Reverse this.
And remember when calling in, that inclement weather may have rendered those elderly loved ones housebound, and as such, unable to collect prescriptions and medicine. Offer to do this, or find out if their local pharmacy or GP has a delivery service – most now do.
Also be vigilant and on the look out for possible emergent health issues in your elderly loved ones. Sometimes a scrape is brushed off and ignored as innocuous, but can end up infected. Perhaps a shiver is put down to the cold weather when it’s actually something more serious like an essential tremor – learn the difference between Essential Tremor vs Parkinson’s here – so make sure you’re available to offer that second opinion and guidance where necessary.
STOCK UP THE FRIDGE
Winter can be perilous for the elderly and the idea of venturing out to the shops in the biting, slippery cold, and having to carry heavy shopping on treacherous terrain, is often more off-putting than the idea of going hungry. That’s an incredibly sad thought, particularly when a full stomach is so necessary for fighting off seasonal illness. So, when you’re visiting elderly relatives or friends, make sure they have plenty of food in the fridge and freezer, and if not offer to get the groceries in.
Christmas is a time of giving, so go that extra mile and prepare a few meals to be heated up when needed – not only nourishing in terms of nutrition, but also for the soul, we think, letting them know they’re cared for. Even from a distance, you can help; shop online for them if they don’t have internet access and phone to check the delivery went smoothly.
DE-RISK THEIR HOUSE
That icy ground out there, on the steps and in the drive, can get seriously hazardous over the winter period. Whilst for you a slip may only cause damage in terms of a red face and possible appearance on You’ve Been Framed, the danger a fall poses to an elderly person is far greater. You can do your bit to pre-empt this by bringing round a mixture of salt and sand for putting on steps or paths in icy weather, making them a safer surface to walk on. Some councils provide free bags of mix, so ask.
Severe winter weather conditions can cause power cuts also, which can have serious implications for more vulnerable people, especially if the boiler isn’t working. Power and utility companies have schemes, prioritising those at risk for reconnection in the event of a power cut. You can find if you or a loved one meet the criteria for these schemes by checking the Ofgem website here.
KEEP THINGS COSY
It’s also essential to de-risk an elderly relative’s house by reminding them of the importance of keeping warm. Many elderly folk who lived through harder times tend to be a little stubborn about having the heating high, but it’s vital for good health in old age to keep warm. Gently (or firmly, if that works better) remind elderly relatives that any room they’re spending time in should be heated to 21°C, and the rest of the house heated to at least 18°C. Make sure the requisite layers are being worn too, and if not, maybe a thick, cosy Christmas jumper could be in order.
CAMPAIGN, PETITION & VOTE
You may well have read about the social care crisis. After a decade of public services going seriously downhill in the country, it’s not going to get any better unless we start speaking up. Write letters to your M.P, sign petitions and campaign for an end to this government’s risible treatment of those less fortunate in society, and most importantly, vote in the approaching election to stop this government carrying on like this. Or carrying on at all. The elderly are often one of the least listened to groups; so raise your voice twice as loudly to make up for it.
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