Surviving the Winter Season as a Homebound Senior
The winter season offers a reprieve from the hot, summer days. It can be a season of peace and tranquility, especially if you don’t have anywhere you need to go on the cold, bitter days. However, as peaceful as it is to sit near a window with a warm cup of cocoa and blanket, sitting around day after day can lead to cabin fever. Seniors are more likely to experience an increase in cabin fever as they opt to remain indoors. Some seniors avoid heading out in the cold and snow because they don’t want to risk falling. Other seniors may not have a choice. They might have chronic health conditions that are only exasperated by the below freezing temperatures, or they have mobility challenges that limits what they can do during the winter season. For someone who can’t get out during the winter months, the season can feel long and mundane. Instead of feeling down and depressed, staying busy can encourage seniors to remain engaged, even though they may be stuck indoors. Here are a few ideas to help homebound seniors survive the winter season.
Travel Vicariously
Leave the cold weather outside and take a trip without leaving the comfort of your favorite armchair. Rent or check out a travelogue DVD and explore a warm, tropical climate. Revisit favorite vacation destinations or explore a place you’ve always wanted to see. Take it to the next level by watching the video while tasting foods from that region. Exploring another region can offer a homebound senior a sense of escape and help their day pass more quickly.
Celebrate the Crock Pot
January is National Slow-Cooking Month. It’s a great month to explore new recipes or revisit family favorites that utilize the crock pot. After all, nothing warms the heart and soul more than a hot, home cooked meal. If you care for a homebound senior, spend time preparing crock pot freezer meals that they can toss in the crock pot throughout the winter season Find recipes online and write instructions directly on the freeze bag. Be sure to call them the night before to remind them to thaw out their next meal.
Revisit Reading
Many libraries offer a visiting librarian service for homebound seniors. Check with your local library and sign up to start taking advantage of such a wonderful program. While exploring what your library has to offer, ask about other perks for patrons. Many libraries offer audiobooks, eBooks, and other free downloads. Some libraries even lend iPads or Kindles to their patrons.
Explore a New Hobby
Winter is a great time to explore new hobbies or rediscover old favorites. Stock up on craft supplies, adult coloring books, or other hobby items before hibernating indoors for the winter season. Dig out those old family photos and arrange them in photo albums or scrapbooks. Watch a cooking show and try a new recipe. Make a routine of engaging through a hobby instead of sitting in front of the television all day.
Feed the Birds
There’s something calming and fascinating about watching nature right in your own backyard even when you can’t get outdoors frequently. Attract birds to your outdoor space by hanging a bird feeder where you can enjoy the view. Ask family to help keep the feeder filled when they visit.
Play Games
From Scrabble to solitaire, and dominoes, to jigsaw puzzles, games are a great way for a homebound senior to stay mentally engaged. Single player games and puzzles are perfect for homebound seniors who live alone. For more active homebound seniors, consider a gaming console, where they can stay physically active without leaving the comfort of home. There are also a host of digital games that homebound seniors can play online, either alone or with others. If you have a homebound senior in your life, gather your family and host a family game night at their home during the winter months.
Visiting Angels South Elgin understands the challenges homebound seniors face. Fortunately, our compassionate caregivers are ready to serve the homebound senior in your life. Whether you need temporary assistance to help you survive the winter months, or you’re ready for a more permanent solution for an improved quality of life, our companion care services are second to none. Our exceptional caregivers take great effort to make the most of the time they spend with their clients. They genuinely engage with each client, taking the time to learn their preferences and routine so that each visit is tailored to their specific needs. Please contact us today to learn more about the many in-home senior care services we provide.