Surviving the Winter Season: 6 Tips on Staying Healthy Around Elderly Relatives 

Winter can be a particularly difficult time for adults, leading to mental as well as physical struggles. With the cold weather and shorter days, it's important to take extra precautions when caring for elderly relatives. Here are some tips for staying healthy around seniors during the winter season and protecting senior loved ones from illnesses:

Eat Healthy

Make sure you as well as your elderly relatives are getting all the nutrients you need during the course of the day. Eating healthy food will help boost your immune system. Focus on adding nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to your diet. Additionally, it's important to stay hydrated during winter months by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting adequate sleep is essential to staying healthy around seniors. Make sure you have a comfortable, relaxing environment in which you can get the rest you need. Additionally, limit your exposure to blue light from devices and turn down the lights several hours before bedtime. Put away your phone and try to avoid electronics in order to prepare your body for sleep.

Monitor Your Mental Health

The cold weather and shorter days can lead to depression for some people. Check-in with your mental health often and watch out for signs of depression or anxiety. If needed, look into mental health services that are available in your area to help cope with winter blues. Do plenty of things that make you feel good, whether that is a brisk workout or a relaxing day in front of the television.

Take Precautions at the First Sign of Symptoms

If your or your elderly relative starts to show any signs of illness, take immediate action. Make sure they get plenty of rest and keep their environment as clean and sanitary as possible. Additionally, contact their doctor right away if needed so they can receive the proper treatment.

Avoid Large Indoor Gatherings

The best way to keep yourself and your elderly relative safe during the winter months is to limit exposure to people outside of your immediate family. This means avoiding large indoor gatherings, such as holiday parties and events. You never know what kind of illnesses or bugs could be circulating in large gatherings.

When in Doubt, Wear a Mask

When in doubt, make sure to wear a mask when going out in public. This will help reduce your risk of getting sick and protect you as well as your senior loved one from any potential illnesses. Additionally, you should practice social distancing as much as possible when you do go out. Another great tip for staying healthy around seniors is to ensure that you are fully vaccinated - this includes your flu vaccine and getting up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine and boosters.

Senior Helpers Offers Compassionate In-Home Care Services

If you're looking for extra help caring for your elderly relative this winter, Senior Helpers Baltimore can assist you. We offer a wide range of services to make sure seniors in Baltimore, Annapolis, Columbia, Baltimore County, and Howard County are safe and comfortable during the colder months. Contact us today to learn more about our services.