Senior Health: Eating Right in Winter

As the weather turns colder, many of us find ourselves reaching for hearty soups, warming casseroles, and comforting puddings. But for older adults, particularly those living alone or managing health conditions, adapting the diet during winter is more than a matter of taste; it’s about staying well, energised, and safe. At Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea, we know that nutrition and warmth go hand in hand when it comes to wellbeing. This post will look at simple meal ideas you can prepare with your Care Professional, support such as Community Meals on Wheels and Wiltshire Farm Foods, and practical ways to keep diets balanced and substantial through the colder months in North Somerset.

Not every meal needs to be complex or time-consuming. A few simple and hearty dishes can go a long way in providing nourishment:

• Soups and Stews: A large pot of vegetable or chicken soup can be cooked once and enjoyed across several days. Adding lentils, beans, or barley makes it more filling and full of fibre.

• Slow-Cooker Dishes: Casseroles or curries made in a slow cooker are simple, warming, and require little effort. Just add the ingredients in the morning and enjoy a hot meal later.

• Jacket Potatoes: A quick oven or microwave option, topped with baked beans, tuna, or cheese, makes a wholesome meal rich in energy and protein.

• Egg-Based Dishes: Omelettes or scrambled eggs with vegetables are quick to prepare and full of nutrients.

• Porridge or Overnight Oats: A warming breakfast option that provides energy and can be topped with fruit, nuts, or honey.

For those with chewing or swallowing difficulties, softer meal options such as mashed vegetables, stewed fruit, or blended soups can be made both nourishing and enjoyable.

North Somerset is fortunate to have a wide range of community projects that ensure food is both accessible and affordable.

• Community Fridges and Larders: Surplus food from shops and households is shared locally. In Weston-super-Mare, the “Fridge of Free Stuff” at the Sovereign Shopping Centre redistributes perfectly good food that would otherwise go to waste.

• Affordable Food Shops and Clubs: Membership-based clubs such as the Stable Food Shop or Purple Sheep Pantry offer access to groceries at reduced prices.

• Lunch Clubs: These provide not only affordable meals but also social opportunities, which can make a big difference to those who might otherwise eat alone.

These services highlight how community spirit plays an important role in supporting older adults during the winter months.

At Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea, our Care Professionals know how important it is to support clients with their diet and overall wellbeing, especially in winter. Our team can:

• Prepare warm, nourishing meals and snacks.

• Make sure shopping is topped up, whether by visiting the shops or arranging deliveries.

• Check that homes remain comfortably warm.

• Offer companionship and reassurance during what can sometimes feel like isolating months.

By combining personal care with practical assistance, we help older adults continue to enjoy the comfort of home while staying safe and well-fed.

Winter in Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, and Burnham-on-Sea can be a testing time, particularly for older adults living alone. But by drawing on simple meal ideas, using community food services, and leaning on the support of caring professionals, it is possible to stay nourished, warm, and connected.

At Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea, we are committed to helping older adults not just get through winter, but feel supported, reassured, and cared for throughout it.

If you or someone you know could benefit from support with meals, companionship, or home care this winter, get in touch with our friendly team today:Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea.