While some of us may appreciate the colder weather, the seasonal changes can be difficult and bothersome for many seniors.
With winter comes snow and ice, which can make walking and travel more difficult for a senior. Going from one place to another will require preparation and care to ensure their safety. Ensuring that slippery sidewalks are salted, snow is shoveled, and stairs have rails to hold onto are just a few of the ways you can reduce falls and other issues during winter.
Older adults also have a higher risk of getting pneumonia than other age groups, especially those with underlying health conditions. Be sure that they are dressed properly for the weather.
Planning ahead and being prepared can help your senior loved one mentally and emotionally. With icy paths and snow covered roads looming, it’s better to get a plan sooner rather than later.
Planning for assisted living in the winter will help you and your loved one minimize risks and avoid making rushed decisions. We’ll explain the advantages of moving to an assisted living community, as well as tips for doing so successfully.
Advantages of Planning for Assisted Living in Winter
Planning a move to assisted living in the early part of the winter season has several advantages for optimizing your senior loved one’s health and lifestyle.
Protection from Seasonal Illnesses
One major benefit is helping your senior loved one avoid issues because of flu season, as they are at a higher risk of exposure to the flu, COVID-19, and other seasonal illnesses that can lead to further complications. An assisted living community will follow strict health and safety guidelines to keep your loved one as healthy as possible.
Maintenance-Free
Your senior loved one will no longer need to worry about shoveling or salting their sidewalks and driveways. This decreases their chances of falling and catching pneumonia. They will have assistance with any daily tasks needed, but are also encouraged to maintain maximum independence.
Social Activities
At an assisted living community such as The Kensington Falls Church, an active social life is essential. Staying active and building friendships reduces stress and increases feelings of worth.
During the winter months, seniors tend to get lonely, especially those who live alone. This makes winter an ideal time for them to transition over to a senior living community.
Full Support
The Kensington Falls Church provides its residents with onsite support. Nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The assisted living community also includes an onsite physician’s office.
Having this type of onsite support means that your senior loved one will not have to leave and be exposed to winter weather for check-ups, certain medications, and other treatments. The nurses are qualified to administer medications and injections to your senior loved one.
During the winter months, this is beneficial because it makes it less likely for them to pick up viruses outside the community or bring them back in.
Tips for Planning a Move to Assisted Living in Winter
Planning for assisted living in the winter means you can prepare to create a smooth transition for your loved one.
Focus First on How Your Senior Loved Feels about the Transition
To make the decision, you’ll want to feel comfortable with the assisted living community you and your loved one choose.
Discuss with your senior loved one and your family the details of the move, such as timing, financing, pros, and cons. It’s also important to speak with them about how they’re feeling and to help them in alleviating any concerns or hesitations they have about the transition.
Planning ahead means you can all feel confident in this new change, knowing it will give your senior loved one their best quality of life.
Plan Ahead to Make the Move as Smooth as Possible
When it’s time to make the move this winter season, weather predictions are not always accurate, so check the forecast often for any changes. Avoid major snowstorms, as they will make driving conditions more complicated and make it more dangerous for your senior loved one to get out.
Other things to consider during a winter move to assisted living include the following:
- Don’t accidentally pack your seniors winter gear, as they will need them
- Dress your loved one in layers and slip-proof boots
- Have a spare pair of gloves and a blanket on hand for extra warmth
- When packing, narrow down essentials and items of comfort to simplify the move
- Hire a senior-friendly moving company to help so that you can focus on your loved one’s needs
- Take extra care of temperature-sensitive items (such as fine china, plants, or flowers)
- Be flexible about the timing and prepare your loved one for the possibility of weather delays
- Have a shovel and snow scraper handy (clear the sidewalks and driveway)
How The Kensington Falls Church Can Help
Helping your loved one move to an assisted living community can stir up many emotions. They may feel as if they are losing their youth and independence as things change. You may feel a sense of guilt. These are normal feelings that are to be expected and will pass with time.
We can help your senior loved one feel safe, secure, comfortable, and respected. It is important to us that your loved one feels at home and builds strong relationships with our staff and the other residents at The Kensington.
If you are interested in taking a virtual tour or have any questions about the luxurious accommodations and services we provide, please call or send us a message.
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To learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care at The Kensington Falls Church, click below or give us a call today for any questions. We promise to love and care for your family, as we do our own.