As the seasons change, we’re thinking about how older individuals are impacted by the colder, darker months here in Canada. Winter can feel long and isolating for seniors—but it doesn’t have to be. A person’s quality of life can be significantly improved by focusing on simple yet impactful changes, from the things in their home to how they spend their time or what they eat.
Here are ten quick and easy ways to add comfort and joy to your aging loved one’s life this winter. If you’d like to know more about high quality homecare services in Toronto or the surrounding areas, please contact us. We’d be glad to hear from you.
Small pleasures with a big impact
- Enjoy some warm drinks: A cup of tea, apple cider or hot chocolate can be delicious and relaxing. Hot water with lemon and honey also does the trick! A warm drink pairs well with good conversation—this is a wonderful way to connect with the seniors in your life.
- Get cozy: In winter, coziness is key. Soft blankets, hot water bottles, heated throws, fuzzy slippers, battery-operated candles, using lamps instead of harsh overheard lighting—we love it all! Help older family members feel cozy this winter by leaning into the Scandinavian concept of hygge.
- Use seasonal scents: Consider getting your aging loved one some pine-scented body wash, citrusy hand lotion or hand soap that smells like sugar cookies. Scent is a powerful tool that can boost your mood!
- Curl up with a book: Who doesn’t love to read a good book on a snowy day? If reading standard print is difficult for your aging loved one, offer to read aloud to them or help them access audio books. In some cases, large print books may be a good solution.
- Make bedtime better: Sometimes, improving a senior’s quality of life is as simple as buying them some warm flannel sheets or a new pair of winter pajamas, or making sure their winter bedding is soft and warm. Not only is this cozy and comforting, it supports good sleep health!
- Sit by the fire: There’s something inherently soothing about sitting by the fire. If your aging loved one doesn’t have a fireplace in their home, consider turning down the lights and playing a fireplace video via YouTube, Netflix or another streaming service. This adds ambiance without any safety risks!
- Cook cold-weather favourites: Winter is the ideal time to cook homemade stews, soups and casseroles. You can prepare these foods during a visit with your aging loved one or drop off a batch of their favourite dish. It’s a great time of year for baking, too!
- Consider a light therapy lamp: It’s not uncommon for individuals to struggle with the lack of natural light in the winter months. Keeping curtains open will help to some extent, but a light therapy lamp may also be beneficial.
- Spend time together: The best solution to the winter blues is time spent with those you care about. Make time for in-person visits, unhurried phone calls, board games or card games, watching a movie together or sharing a meal.
- Hire a caregiver: If you’re worried about your aging loved one’s physical, cognitive or emotional well-being this winter season, consider hiring a Personal Support Worker (PSW) to support their needs. High quality, consistent, one-on-one care can greatly improve one’s quality of life while providing peace of mind to their loved ones.
Contact us to learn more about homecare services in Toronto
Thanks for reading—we hope you make the most of these ideas in the weeks and months ahead! To learn more about high quality homecare services in Toronto, Mississauga and the surrounding communities, please contact us. We’d be glad to tell you more about our skilled, dedicated Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and how our team can help your aging loved ones live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.