The holidays are a merry and busy time for all of us, but what about those who can’t stay so active? Our parents and grandparents have done a lot for us, and the winter season is the time when they might need us the most.
While everyone is exposed to a lot of allergies and germs during the winter, it’s the elderly who might suffer the most. Senior citizens are more likely to feel the cold right through to their bones, so they need our assistance and help more than ever.
Here are just a few tips on how to help them out:
1. Subscribing to Meal Services
Many elderly folks find it hard to move around the house in any case. During the winters, it’s likely that their joints are even stiffer than before. Plus, they might be snowed in and unable to get the necessary groceries for their homes.
One answer to such issues is getting some meal services on board. Several options may supply your grandparents with the food they need. These meals also cost very little, so the cost shouldn’t be a barrier.
2. Asking A Trustworthy Person For Help
If you’re living far away from your grandparents, contact a neighbor or friend and ask them to check up on your folks regularly. Just a few minutes every single day could make all the difference, especially if snow storms or other reasons make it impossible for you to call or get in touch yourself.
You can also make some sort of deal where your friends or acquaintances take your grandparents to the Orthopedic Surgeon in Monroe NJ or get treatment for an elbow injury Portland offers. Work out a financial way to compensate these helpers or help them out in some other way in return.
3. Staying in Touch
Even if you can’t physically visit your grandparents every single day during the winter, you can set a time and call them up regularly. Video calls will delight them the most, though a phone call is also great for checking up in any case. This will also keep you updated on their health and give them something to look forward to during those chilly winter days.
4. Teaching Them About Technology
There are several ways in which your grandparents can use technology to improve their everyday lives. If they're up for absorbing such information, you can teach them how to use technology to communicate with others through smartphones.
Other than communication, technology can also help the elderly remember to take their pills, keep their appointments, and remind them of various other tasks. This way, they'll be able to take better care of themselves or ask you for help at any given time.
5. Getting Some Insulation
The elderly might not realize that they need re-insulation in their old home, so it’s our responsibility to complete this task. Check the attic and the roofs of your grandparents’ house and see if there’s any danger of heat getting lost through these vulnerable areas.
6. Upgrading Their Wardrobes
Elderly folks might not pay much attention to their clothes, so it’s up to you to browse and see what they have for the winter. Their current winter wardrobe might have holes, thin patches, or tears that render them useless. See about fixing these up or buying your grandparents some new clothes for the coming season.
The Takeaway
With some of the above practices in place, your grandparents will hopefully find the coming winter much more comfortable and cheery. Taking out time for your elderly loved ones isn’t as tough as it seems. Put your plan into action today and you’ll be able to make them smile.