VISITING ANGELS RICHMOND, VA 804-353-0000
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Avoid Senior Isolation During the Winter Season

Beyond the holiday season, December marks the arrival of the winter season. The holidays offer a brief reprieve from the shorter and colder days. However, the long stretch from January to the arrival of spring can cause anxiety for many seniors. While some seniors choose to avoid the outdoors during winter in order to avoid falling on ice, some seniors may not have a choice to remain indoors due to chronic illness. It’s no surprise that during the winter season seniors have an increased risk for depression due to social isolation. That’s why it’s critical for seniors to remain engaged and connected throughout the winter months. As you visit your aging loved one this holiday season, plan to keep them socially connected so that they can avoid isolation during the winter months. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Schedule Social Events
Just as you must make an appointment to see your doctor, think of your aging loved one’s calendar in the same way. Fill their calendar with social appointments throughout the winter season. When distant family visit this holiday season and mention wanting to see your aging loved one more, schedule their next visit for the end of January or February. Encourage your loved one to invite friends and neighbors over for coffee or tea. Plan a family game night at your loved one’s home and order a pizza. Make sure that they are socializing at least once a week, if not more, throughout the winter season. When seniors have something to look forward to on their calendar, they’re more likely to remain positive and energetic.

Sign Up for Meal Delivery
Seniors who live alone have a greater risk for malnutrition. Some seniors simply do not have the energy to prepare a meal for one, while others are used to going out for meals and aren’t able to do so when the weather is bad. Give the gift of a meal delivery service this holiday season. Whether it’s a meal kit company or grocery delivery service, it will enable your aging loved one to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce and foods without having to leave the comfort of home. Meal delivery kits are great for seniors that live alone because they can be portioned for singles or the senior can enjoy leftovers the next day. They also have step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. For the senior who doesn’t enjoy cooking, consider Meals on Wheels, which not only provides nutritious meals, but social contact as well.

Utilize Technology
Technology is an extremely useful way to prevent social isolation for seniors. There is a wealth of opportunity for your aging loved one to remain engaged and connected at the tip of their fingers. Take time this holiday season to update their technology and teach your loved one a new way to stay connected to family and friends. Help them set up a social media account so they can see photos of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Teach them how to make or receive a video call on their phone. Consider gifting them a smart video calling device so that they only need to use their voice to make a call. Encourage them to sign up for a free technology class at the local library or senior community center, so they have a reason to leave home while also learning something new.

Make Their View More Interesting
Finally, spend time this holidays season freshening up your aging loved one’s home, both indoors and outdoors. Add some color to their home with vibrant throw pillows or blankets. Purchase a few live plants for them to care for during the winter season. Give them an amaryllis that they can nurture and watch bloom. Update framed photographs. Make sure their home is well-lit, especially in the later afternoon and evenings. Pay attention to what they see outside as well. Place bird feeders near their favorite windows so that they can enjoy watching nature from the comfort of their home.

Visiting Angels Richmond understands the challenges that many seniors face during the winter months. Our compassionate caregivers are ready and available to visit your aging loved one. By utilizing our exceptional senior home care services, you ensure that your loved one receives the social interaction they need throughout the winter months and beyond. Our Companion Care Services are second to none in the Richmond and surrounding areas. We are more than just a social call or friendly visit. Our caregivers work hard to make the time they spend with their clients engaging and genuine. In return, you can have peace of mind knowing that your aging loved one is in good hands when you can’t be there. If you think that your loved one could benefit from our relationship based care, please contact us today to learn more about our senior home care services.

Serving communities in the Metro Richmond Area including Richmond, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Henrico & Hanover Counties

Visiting Angels RICHMOND, VA
4914 Radford Ave #211
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-353-0000

Serving communities in the Metro Richmond Area including Richmond, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Henrico & Hanover Counties

Visiting Angels RICHMOND, VA
4914 Radford Ave #211
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-353-0000