Stay Safe and Well at Home This Autumn and Winter
Are you ready to make the most of the colder months in North Somerset?
Winter brings with it shorter days and lower temperatures, and while it can be a cosy season, it also presents unique challenges, especially for elderly persons living independently. At Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, we are dedicated to helping our clients prepare for the winter months, ensuring they remain safe, warm, and connected to the community.
In this article, we’ll share essential tips for preparing for autumn and winter in North Somerset, from practical advice on home safety to nutrition tips and ideas for staying engaged, including ways to enjoy local parks like Grove Park and Ellenborough Park. With Home Instead’s support, seniors can navigate this season with confidence and comfort, surrounded by wonderful people who care.
Preparing a Safe, Warm, and Comfortable Home
Winter weather can lead to increased risks around the home, and it’s important to take steps to minimise these risks. A warm environment isn’t just about comfort; it’s about protecting health and preventing common winter illnesses, such as respiratory infections.
1. Keep Your Home Warm and Well-Insulated
- Maintain a consistent temperature: It’s recommended to keep living areas around 18–21°C and avoid letting any area fall below 16°C, especially for elderly persons.
- Seal drafts: Check for drafts around windows and doors and install draught excluders. Heavy curtains can also help insulate rooms and retain heat.
- Use blankets and warm clothing: Having cosy layers and blankets nearby can help regulate body temperature comfortably.
Our Care Professionals can assist with checking the home’s heating system and can even help coordinate services with local providers if repairs are needed, offering an added layer of reassurance for a safe winter season in North Somerset.
Preventing Slips and Falls: Staying Safe in the Colder Months
The colder months mean more hazards indoors and out. Falls can happen more frequently during the winter due to icy surfaces and wet conditions.
- Add non-slip mats: Bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways can benefit from non-slip mats that reduce the risk of slipping.
- Proper indoor footwear: Encourage wearing supportive shoes with rubber soles indoors rather than slippers.
- Clear walkways: Keep floors and paths clutter-free to avoid trips, especially when moving between rooms.
- Install grab bars: Adding support bars in critical areas, such as bathrooms, can provide extra stability.
Our care professionals are well-trained in spotting potential hazards and helping arrange furniture and belongings to reduce risks, keeping seniors secure throughout the winter months.
Essential Supplies to Keep in Stock for Winter
Stocking up for the colder months can minimise trips to the store, especially during severe weather conditions. Here are some essentials to keep in the pantry:
1. Protein-Rich Foods
- Canned meats and fish: Items like tinned chicken, beef, tuna, and salmon provide protein and keep well.
- Beans and lentils: Great for soups and stews, these plant-based proteins are also simple to store.
- Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds are nutritious snacks and can be added to meals.
2. Calcium and Vitamin D Sources
- Long-life milk: Ensures a steady supply of calcium even when getting fresh milk isn’t possible.
- Cheese and yoghurt: ideal snacks that help support bone health, reducing the risk of falls.
- Fortified cereals: These provide essential vitamins, including vitamin D, which is crucial during the low-sunlight months.
3. Whole Grains and Starches
- Wholegrain oats and cereals: A nutritious and warm start to any winter day.
- Pasta, rice, and couscous: versatile and easy to store, perfect for hearty, warm meals.
- Wholegrain crackers: great for snacks or paired with spreads for light meals.
Our care professionals can assist with meal planning and preparation, making it easy for seniors to enjoy balanced, nourishing meals without frequent trips outside.
Staying Engaged and Connected
Winter can make seniors feel more isolated, especially with shorter days and colder nights. Staying connected to the community, family, and friends is essential for mental health and overall well-being.
1. Daily Check-Ins and Companionship
Simple phone calls, video chats, or brief visits can lift spirits and provide vital companionship. Home Instead Care Professionals are happy to assist with setting up technology for virtual connections or arranging for socially distanced gatherings.
2. Local Park Warm Spaces and Community Living Rooms
If the weather turns chilly, visiting one of Weston-super-Mare’s, Clevedon’s, or Burnham-on-Sea’s warm spaces can be a comforting option. These community hubs provide safe and welcoming environments where people can stay warm, enjoy a hot drink, and connect with others. Here are some helpful local resources and warm spaces available in the area:
- North Somerset Council Community Living Rooms: North Somerset Council has worked with various organisations to establish over 40 Community Living Rooms across the region, including in Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, and Burnham-on-Sea. These spaces are safe, friendly, and accessible to everyone.
- Clevedon Baptist Church: Offers a warm space every Monday between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
- Kenn Road Methodist Church: Located in Clevedon, this church opens its warm space on Mondays from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.
- Christchurch, Clevedon: A warm space is available every Wednesday.
- St Andrews, Clevedon: Open for warm space Fridays from 11:00 am.
These initiatives are part of the broader #NorthSomersetTogether network, designed to support residents during the colder months and the cost-of-living crisis. Whether you’re in Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, or Burnham-on-Sea, you’ll find a friendly welcome and an opportunity to connect with the community.
3. In-Home Activities
Our Care Professionals encourage fun and engaging in-home activities, like board games, puzzles, and crafts, which are tailored to each person’s interests. Whether it’s a lively game of cards or a quiet afternoon with a book, staying mentally active and engaged can brighten winter days.
Health and Wellness Essentials
Winter months often mean less mobility, but maintaining regular care routines is essential to prevent illness and injury.
1. Medication Management
Taking medication on time and in the correct dosage is critical, especially if the weather affects access to pharmacies. Home Instead Care Professionals assist with setting reminders, organising prescriptions, and arranging deliveries so clients have what they need.
2. Hydration and Nutrition
Staying hydrated is as important in winter as it is in summer, even though we may not feel as thirsty. Drinking water and enjoying warm beverages like herbal tea or broth can help. Our team assists with meal preparation, ensuring clients stay hydrated and nourished.
Support for Family Caregivers: Help When You Need It Most
The demands of caring for a loved one can be even more significant during winter, but you don’t have to do it alone. Home Instead Weston-super-Mare offers respite care services, allowing caregivers to take a break while knowing their loved ones are in safe hands. Whether it’s for a couple of hours or an extended period, we’re here to help.
Local Emergency Services in North Somerset
Home Instead Weston-super-Mare takes pride in connecting with local services to ensure the safety and well-being of our seniors. From coordinating with the Avon Fire and Rescue Service to provide safety information to Clients in our welcome packs, to collaborating with community health resources, our care professionals are equipped to provide comprehensive support.
In cases of emergencies, we work closely with services such as the South Western Ambulance Service and Avon Fire & Rescue Service, ensuring a quick response to our clients’ needs. For minor concerns, our care professionals are there to manage situations and liaise with Carelink, NHS 111, GP Surgeries and local emergency services when necessary, offering peace of mind to families.
Why Choose Home Instead Weston-super-Mare?
Choosing the right support for you or your loved one this winter is about finding compassionate, reliable care that fits individual needs. Here’s why our care professionals make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors across North Somerset:
- Local Knowledge and Connection: Our team’s understanding of the Weston-super-Mare area enables us to tailor our care services and provide local recommendations, from nearby parks to trusted community services.
- Flexible, Personalised Plans: As needs change throughout the season, our services adapt to provide the best care possible.
- Trained, care professionals: Our team consists of amazing people who don’t just assist with daily tasks but also offer companionship, support, and genuine care.
If you’re looking for support to help a loved one enjoy a safe and warm winter, Home Instead Weston-super-Mare is here to make a difference. Contact us today at 01934 526892.
Areas We Serve
Weston super Mare, Burnham-on-Sea, Banwell, Winscombe, Bleadon
BS21 5, BS21 6, BS21 7, BS22 6, BS22 7, BS22 8, BS22 9, BS23 1, BS23 2, BS23 3, BS23 4, BS24 0, BS24 6, BS24 7, BS24 8, BS24 9, BS29 6, BS48 2, BS48 4, BS49 4, BS49 5, TA8 1, TA8 2 and TA9 4
202 High St, Worle, Weston-super-Mare BS22 6JE, UK
01934 526892