Winters in Southern Maine can be intense. The heavy snowfall and cold temperatures can be hazardous and discourage seniors from getting out of the house…but that doesn’t make it any less important for them to engage in activities and connect with friends. They just need a little help.
Here’s the good news: The resources available for senior winter wellness in Southern Maine make it a lot easier. From practical assistance clearing out snow to opportunities to de-stress and connect with the community, Southern Maine has plenty of options to warm up the winter for your loved one.
How to Help Seniors with Winter Wellness
With a community of warm, supportive people who are more than prepared for the worst the winter has to offer, Southern Maine has plenty of ways to help seniors in the winter. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Get Rid of Snow
Southern Maine gets more snow than people in their twenties can keep up with, let alone seniors. When older people become snowbound, they may stop handling critical errands like groceries and isolate themselves. Even if they’re technically able to get outside the house, slippery conditions can make them too worried about falling to actually leave.
Out of boredom, stubbornness or misplaced ambition, some seniors may valiantly attempt to dig themselves out of the snow. While their hearts might be in the right place, it’s usually best to discourage them from doing this. Not only is shoveling snow a significant fall risk, the intense exertion and cold temperatures also make it one of the most common triggers for heart attacks.
However, there’s one simple way to help your loved one get out of the house in the winter with minimal risk of falling: Make sure the snow is handled for them promptly, before they get the idea to handle it themselves. You’ll have trouble getting to them quickly once it starts snowing, so it’s best to hire a residential snow removal service to clear it out for them.
If you can, try to find a service that can also take care of rooftop snow, such as 207 Landscaping in Gorham. If it builds up too much, rooftop snow can damage your loved one’s roof—the last thing they need in the middle of winter.
- Take Them Out for Lunch
One of the best ways to connect with someone is to share a good meal with them. That’s why the Southern Maine Agency on Aging hosts regular Community Cafe lunch events in a variety of locations around the area.
While they include delicious dishes like fish Newberg, baked ziti or chicken in red wine sauce, Community Cafes are more than just a meal: They’re unique events designed to help seniors connect with the community and each other. In addition to food, many of them also include entertainment like bingo, board games or musical acts.
Keep in mind that reservations are required 48 hours in advance, so it’s a good idea to keep Community Cafes on your calendar so you can sign your loved one up in time.
- Find Them a Furry Friend
The antidote for senior loneliness is connection…but that connection doesn’t necessarily have to be with another human. Petting a cat has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and create a sense of connection that reduces the effects of isolation. It has an even greater positive impact on seniors with dementia, offering them companionship, stimulation and routine that help mitigate the impacts of cognitive decline.
If your loved one doesn’t have a pet of their own, there’s still a way for them to spend quality time with a furry friend: Meow Cat Lounge in Westbrook. This quiet, cozy spot allows guests to relax in a room with friendly shelter cats. To make it even more comfortable, the lounge also serves up tea, cocoa and snacks for guests to enjoy as they bond with their new furry friends.
Here’s the best part: If your loved one meets a cat that they can’t bear to part with, they don’t have to. Every cat at the lounge is adoptable through local rescues—just talk to the staff and they’ll get the process started for you.
Find Them a Little Help
Wintry conditions can make it harder for older people to go out, engage in life and connect with each other. Luckily, the resources offered by the Southern Maine community make it a lot easier.
If a senior in your life needs a little extra help staying engaged and connected during the winter, FirstLight Home Care of Southern Maine is here for them. They won’t just help with daily essentials like bathing and suiting them up to go outside; they’ll also offer reliable companionship and transportation so your loved one can get around.
Want to make winter feel a little warmer for a senior in your life? Contact us today.
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