Staying Warm and Connected: 5 Top Winter Wellness Tips for the Elderly in South Liverpool

As your local care provider, Home Instead Liverpool South understands the specific needs of older people when the temperatures drop. Here are our five key tips to promote wellness and safety for seniors throughout the winter:

1.  Eat Well and Stay Hydrated to Fight the Cold. A hearty, balanced diet provides the energy needed to regulate body temperature. Aim for a hot meal every day. While you might not feel thirsty, you still need fluids. Keep warm by drinking plenty of hot, non-alcoholic beverages like tea, soup, and hot water with lemon.

2.  Maximise Warmth with Strategic Layering. The simple act of wearing layers—starting with a vest or thermal underwear—is highly effective. Before getting out of bed, put your warm socks and slippers on. At night, a hot water bottle or electric blanket (used safely) can provide extra warmth. Close internal doors to trap heat in the rooms you are using.

3.  Plan Ahead to Reduce Risk of Falls. Be mindful of wet and icy surfaces, both outside and inside your home. If you have steps leading up to your door in areas like Garston or Aigburth, ensure they are kept clear of snow and ice. Inside, secure or remove loose rugs and ensure there is good lighting to avoid trips, especially on stairs.

4.  Combat Isolation with Regular Check-ins. Loneliness is a significant concern during the winter months. If you can’t visit loved ones, arrange a schedule of regular phone or video calls. Staying socially active is a huge boost for mental wellbeing. At Home Instead, our companionship services are designed to help combat this isolation and ensure someone is checking on their welfare.

Nurturing Nature: Indoor Gardening as a Companionship Activity

Combating the quietness of winter is key to mental wellness. An indoor garden can be a superb focal point for companionship, turning a day indoors into a fulfilling experience. It provides a meaningful topic for conversations and a shared project if a Care Professional or family member visits. Simple indoor gardening ideas include:

• Forcing Bulbs: Planting spring bulbs (like daffodils or hyacinths) in pots indoors brings a splash of colour and fragrance to the home, reminding us that spring is on its way.
• Caring for Succulents: These resilient, beautiful plants are easy to look after and require very little maintenance, making them ideal for seniors who want a touch of green without much fuss.
• Growing from Kitchen Scraps: Re-sprouting things like spring onion ends, lettuce bases, or avocado seeds is a fascinating and low-cost way to watch something grow.

5.  Take Proactive Steps for Winter Health Don’t let a mild cold turn into something more serious. If you feel unwell, seek advice from your GP or pharmacist      immediately. Keep your immune system strong through good nutrition and adequate rest. Make sure all necessary medication is easily accessible and not stored in a  cold or damp place.

Don’t let the winter weather increase the risk of falls or loneliness for your family member in South Liverpool. Whether it’s a few hours of weekly companionship or more dedicated support, Home Instead Liverpool South is your local partner in exceptional senior care. We are passionate about helping older adults remain independent and comfortable in their own homes all year round.

Find out more about how we can support your family by contacting us directly. Call 0151 559 2555 or click the link below to arrange a no obligation, free consultation.