Winter Wellness Tips for Facilities for Alzheimer’s
The white, pristine snow blanketing the landscape can be a great background for a perfect winter wonderland Christmas photo theme. However, this is not the case for senior adults and those in Alzheimer’s facilities.
Winter can pose several mental and physical challenges for seniors. The cold and shorter days can trigger depression and lead to increasing health risks. However, seniors can remain healthy despite the extreme weather outside with the right routine and care tips.
Adapting new routines during the winter and engaging in different activities is essential to ensure a healthy winter season. Daily exercise and getting your body moving are encouraged to reduce stress, strengthen your heart and lungs, and reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke. Indoor exercises like yoga, stretching, or easy chair exercises can stimulate the immune system to combat cold and flu-like illnesses. Regular workouts help in weight management and improve muscle strength, balance, and flexibility, reducing the risks of falls and injuries.
Stay hydrated and drink the required daily fluid intake even if you do not feel as thirsty in cold weather. Drink hot tea, hot chocolate, or warm beverages to aid your daily hydration needs.
Consume healthy and balanced meals, such as whole grains, lean protein, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Facilities for Alzheimer’s have meal and nutritional guidance to meet the dietary needs of their residents and support their mental and physical health.
Get enough sleep for your body to perform as it should. Adequate sleep improves memory, boosts the immune system, reduces the risks of chronic diseases, and improves emotional well-being.
Do not forget medication. Take maintenance medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the doctor’s schedule or follow-up checkups. When you feel something is not right, see your doctor immediately.
Mental and emotional wellness tips
The winter season can be harsh on mental health due to limited outdoor activities and colder weather. Below are practical and effective ways to protect seniors during the colder months.
- Organize activities and events that everyone can participate in. Host game nights, trivia nights, movie nights, or karaoke to promote fun and engagement.
- Plan festive winter holidays and invite residents’ families and friends to make the occasion more meaningful. Video calls are now available for real-time interactions for families who can physically join.
- Encourage senior residents to be physically active to boost their mood and energy.
- Encourage activities that enhance creativity, such as arts and crafts, puzzle games, and trivia. Organize workshops and learning opportunities to stimulate mental stimulation, social engagement, personal growth, and fulfillment if possible.
- Create a cozy environment for the residents. Use winter decorations, blankets, and essential oils, and provide comfortable heating for relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety.
Nutrition and immune support in Facilities for Alzheimer’s
- A healthy and well-balanced diet is crucial when caring for seniors in facilities for Alzheimer’s to ensure they get the right amount of minerals and vitamins.
- Eating a variety of whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits helps prevent disease and maintain an ideal weight.
- Quality sleep helps the body produce more white blood cells essential to fight infections.
- Consider taking Vitamin D and Zinc supplements for improved immune cell function.
- Stay hydrated for optimal body performance. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day.
- Embrace a variety of indoor activities that will improve mental health while keeping the body active.
- Keep a positive mindset.
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