Helping an Older Loved One Beat the Winter Blues

As autumn turns to winter, the days become shorter, the evenings darker and colder or wetter weather can make it harder to get out and about.

For older people who spend a lot of time at home, this change can sometimes feel particularly noticeable. There may be fewer opportunities to see other people, enjoy time outdoors or take part in usual activities, and some people may find their mood is lower during the winter months.

That’s why, alongside keeping an older loved one warm and physically well, it’s important to think about their emotional wellbeing too.

Stay connected

One of the simplest things we can do is stay in touch.

A telephone call, a cup of tea together or simply popping in for a chat can give someone something to look forward to and break up a long day at home.

If you have an older loved one living alone, try making contact part of your regular routine. Perhaps call at the same time each morning, arrange a weekly visit or encourage other family members and friends to get involved too.

When meeting in person is more difficult because of the weather, telephone and video calls can be another valuable way to stay connected.

Give the day some structure

When someone is spending a lot of time at home, one day can easily begin to feel much like another.

A simple daily routine can help create a sense of purpose and give someone things to look forward to. It doesn’t need to involve planning every hour of the day.

Regular times for getting dressed, having breakfast, making a cup of tea, eating lunch or enjoying a favourite television programme can all help provide structure.

You could also help your loved one plan one enjoyable thing each day, however small.

Encourage the things they enjoy

Winter can be a good opportunity to rediscover hobbies and interests that can be enjoyed at home.

That might mean:

• Reading a favourite book

• Listening to music or the radio

• Doing a crossword or puzzle

• Knitting or crafting

• Looking through photographs

• Watching a favourite film

• Gardening or caring for houseplants

• Baking or preparing something together

• Calling a friend or relative

It doesn’t need to be a big activity. Having something enjoyable to do can give the day a little more purpose.

If you’re visiting an older loved one, think about activities you could enjoy together rather than simply asking if they need anything.

Keep moving

As we discussed in the first blog in our As Autumn Turns to Winter series, keeping active at home can benefit both physical and mental wellbeing.

Gentle movement – whether that’s walking around the house, stretching from a chair or even having a little dance to a favourite song – can help give our mood a boost.

Encourage your loved one to keep doing what they comfortably can rather than allowing colder weather to mean spending the whole day sitting down.

Share food and conversation

Our previous Eating Well at Home blog looked at the importance of regular meals and drinks during the colder months.

But mealtimes can be about companionship too.

If an older person usually eats alone, sitting down and sharing lunch or a cup of tea with them can turn an everyday part of their routine into something to look forward to.

Whether that’s lunch with a parent in Sandbach, an afternoon cup of tea with a relative in Congleton, or dropping in to see a loved one in Macclesfield, sometimes your time and company can be just as valuable as the practical help you provide.

Look out for changes

Everyone has days when they feel a little down, but it’s worth noticing if an older loved one seems different from usual.

Perhaps they’re no longer interested in activities they previously enjoyed, are withdrawing from conversations or visits, or have been feeling low for some time.

Talk to them and give them an opportunity to tell you how they’re feeling.

If low mood continues, is affecting their everyday life or you’re concerned about their wellbeing, encourage them to speak to their GP or another healthcare professional.

How can you help an older loved one through winter?

Sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference.

Call regularly. Pop in for a cup of tea. Bring a favourite magazine. Make lunch together. Help them video call another family member. Encourage them to get dressed and move around the house. Or simply sit down and have a proper conversation.

For families who can’t visit as often as they’d like, think about who else could be part of that support network.

The important thing is helping your loved one feel connected, valued and involved, even when colder weather means they’re spending more time at home.

💚 How Ablewell can help

Our carers support older people across Sandbach, Congleton, Macclesfield and the surrounding areas, providing much more than practical help at home.

Regular care visits provide valuable companionship and a familiar face to talk to. Our carers can share a cup of tea and conversation, help clients continue with activities they enjoy, encourage appropriate movement and bring some structure and company to their day.

They can also prepare meals and hot drinks, make sure the home is warm and comfortable, and support clients to dress appropriately for the colder weather.

For families, regular visits can provide additional peace of mind, knowing someone is spending time with their loved one and can notice if something seems different.

If you’re considering extra support and companionship for a loved one this autumn and winter, contact Ablewell today to arrange an assessment and find out how we can help them remain warm, well, connected and independent in their own home.