Care

Seniors are especially vulnerable in the months of November – February. Unpredictable and cold weather patterns temper the forecast. The requisite flu jab is required to stave off illness, thick woollen jumpers are will drape around, sometimes, fragile frames and thermostats are turned up.

The winter months pose a challenge for seniors to stay safe. It’s imperative that we keep seniors, healthy, happy and comfortable when cooler temperatures arrive. So, are you looking for advice on how you can contribute to the elderly care of a treasured friend or close family member in the winter? Good news. Here are several ways that you can look after that special senior in your life over the next few months.

Winter Fuel Payments

The UK government offers a winter fuel payments scheme that everyone living independently and over the age of 60 is entitled to. This one-off tax-free payment of between £100 – £300 is made to seniors after October 1st to help towards the costs of keeping them warm and content in the winter months.

Though the exact date does change every year, most people born on or before 5th April 1954 will qualify for a winter payment contribution for the 2019 – 2020 winter season. Most payments are made automatically during November or December. Anyone applying for payment for the first time should receive their first payment before Christmas.

It’s possible that some seniors who don’t currently live in a skilled nursing facility, like Flixton Manor, choosing to stay in a home they’ve owned for years are unaware that they’re entitled to a winter fuel payment. Why not apply on their behalf? You could end of saving them money throughout the winter whilst keeping them warm and happy!

Financial Help

Everyone knows that unless you’re exceeding fortunate or have saved diligently for decades, financial autonomy in later life is a challenge. State pensions are hardly enough to live comfortably decades into retirement. Moreover, the controversial change to the Pensions Act 2011 which increased the UK state pension age to 66 by October 2020, has left some seniors out of pocket.

If you can help give some financial assistance to help with the elderly care of seniors, this will, without a shadow of a doubt, prove very helpful. You don’t have to worry about paying every single bill, a little help goes a long way.

Why not commit to doing something simple, like buying their weekly food shop? Seniors must keep their strength up in the winter months and making sure that they have fully stocked fridge with wholesome and nutritious food is a great way to make sure that they stay fit and healthy in the winter months.

Hot Meals

As we’ve just touched on food, you can help seniors by helping them to apply for meals on wheels. A government-backed scheme run by local councils, the meals on wheels delivers nutritious food to seniors across the UK.

Both Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council and Cheshire East run specific schemes that deliver hot meals across the counties. A skilled nursing facility, like Flixton Manor, will be able to help anyone determined to arrange for meals on wheels for a loved one. But, all you really need to do is to contact your local council and they’ll be able to tell you how it works.

If you’re feeling particularly incentivized to give excellent nutritious meals that seniors will love, why not create a meal planner yourself, one that’s rich in fruits and vegetables, chocked full of their favourite dishes, healthy alternatives and even a few treats!

Physical and Emotional Well-Being

The inactivity that often accompanies the winter, with people of all ages preferring to stay indoors, battening down the hatches are opposed to taking a leisurely stroll in the crisp air, can result in both deflated mood and a distinct lack of physical stimuli.

Encouraging seniors to socialise, get some fresh air or taking a trip to a coffee shop, restaurant or even the pictures can go a long way to improving their physical and emotional well-being. Try to pick a day when the winds aren’t too brisk and when the roads and pavements aren’t iced over and you’re certain to cheer them up.

Why not plan a day and visit a site of historical significance, gallery or museum? This simple act could make all the difference for a senior and create some pleasant memories for them to relive.

So, there you have it. These are just a few examples of how you can help seniors in the winter months by providing considerate elderly care. If you’d like to learn more speak to one of the foremost care homes in Greater Manchester, contact Flixton Manor today.