There’s no denying it: fall is here, and with Thanksgiving weekend just behind us, it’s clear that winter isn’t far off. October is a great time of year to check some health and wellness tasks off your to-do list, and the perfect time for the seniors in your life to do the same.
Here are a few helpful reminders from the Living Assistance Services team. If you’d like to know more about high quality homecare services in Toronto, Mississauga or the surrounding communities, please contact us. We’d be glad to answer your questions, offer recommendations based on your family’s needs, and provide a personalized quote.
Make medical appointments as needed
Now is the time to book a check-up with your aging loved one’s family doctor, particularly if they haven’t had a physical in a while. Address any new medical concerns and ask which annual immunizations are recommended for your loved one (flu shots, pneumonia, RSV and/or Covid-19 vaccines, for example). If necessary, book appointments with your loved one’s other medical specialists (eye doctors, hearing specialists, diabetes clinics, podiatrists, etc). By being proactive about these appointments, you may be able to avoid some of the ailments that commonly affect seniors over the winter months.
Review prescriptions and home accessibility
Next, speak to your aging loved one’s pharmacist about their prescriptions and/or any supplements they take on a regular basis. Are there any issues that need addressing with the doctor or pharmacy (unwanted drug interactions, for example, or a prescription/dosage that should be updated)? If your family member is experiencing unwelcome side effects from a medication, ask if there are other options to consider and discuss those with their doctor.
Now is also an excellent opportunity to look at the accessibility of your aging loved one’s home and make updates as needed. This may involve installing grab bars or a raised toilet seat in the washroom, purchasing a senior-friendly bed or a recliner with a power lift, removing rugs that create a tripping hazard, or adding a ramp to the front steps of a home. If you aren’t sure what’s needed, please contact us—we can offer advice and/or connect you with a community care office that offers home safety evaluations.
Prepare for winter
Winter can be particularly isolating for seniors, and it can result in a lack of exercise due to harsh weather conditions here in the GTA. To ensure that your aging loved ones are entertained, engaged in stimulating activities and also moving their bodies as much as possible, prepare for the months ahead. Consider stocking up on new books (large print and audio editions are a good option), board games, movies and puzzles. You can also introduce a variety of winter activities such as indoor gardening or senior-friendly arts and crafts (knitting, needlepoint, etc). Encourage your aging loved ones to take indoor walks on a regular basis or commit to a gentle fitness routine (seated yoga, stretching or lifting light handheld weights, for example). Our caregivers can help seniors participate in safe, comfortable exercise routines as well as fun indoor activities, ensuring that their quality of life is maintained over the winter months.
Thanks for reading and remember, our care team is available 24/7 if you’d like to speak to someone about in-home caregiver services. We’d be glad to hear from you by phone or email.