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\u2026but that doesn\u2019t make it any less important for them to engage in activities and connect with friends. They just need a little help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019re technically able to get outside the house, slippery conditions can make them too worried about falling to actually leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there\u2019s 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\u2019ll have trouble getting to them quickly once it starts snowing, so it\u2019s best to hire a residential snow removal service to clear it out for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can, try to find a service that can also take care of rooftop snow, such as 207 Landscaping<\/a> in Gorham. If it builds up too much, rooftop snow can damage your loved one\u2019s roof\u2014the last thing they need in the middle of winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the best ways to connect with someone is to share a good meal with them. That\u2019s why the Southern Maine Agency on Aging hosts regular Community Cafe<\/a> lunch events in a variety of locations around the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that reservations are required 48 hours in advance, so it\u2019s a good idea to keep Community Cafes on your calendar so you can sign your loved one up in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The antidote for senior loneliness is connection\u2026but that connection doesn\u2019t necessarily have to be with another human. Petting a cat<\/a> 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<\/a>, offering them companionship, stimulation and routine that help mitigate the impacts of cognitive decline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your loved one doesn\u2019t have a pet of their own, there\u2019s still a way for them to spend quality time with a furry friend: Meow Cat Lounge<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s the best part: If your loved one meets a cat that they can\u2019t bear to part with, they don\u2019t have to. Every cat at the lounge is adoptable through local rescues\u2014just talk to the staff and they\u2019ll get the process started for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a senior in your life needs a little extra help staying engaged and connected during the winter, FirstLight Home Care of Southern Maine<\/a> is here for them. They won\u2019t just help with daily essentials like bathing and suiting them up to go outside; they\u2019ll also offer reliable companionship and transportation so your loved one can get around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
Find Them a Little Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n