Winter brings its own charm, crisp air, blue skies… and a few extra challenges for older adults. But with a little planning (and the right support), the cooler months can be a time of comfort, connection, and well-being.
Here are 7 practical winter wellness tips for older Australians — including smart ways to make the most of your Home Care Package (HCP) and stay safe, healthy, and happy.
1. Staying warm
Ensuring you stay warm through winter is not just for comfort; it’s also important for safety. Older people can be at greater risk of hypothermia, especially if they have medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or dementia, or if they are taking medication that affects body temperature regulation.
If you have a Home Care Package, you may be able to seek help with seasonal tasks. Here are some things to consider ahead of winter.
- Clothing: Seniors should ensure that they have plenty of warm clothes that fit well and are comfortable. If winter clothes have been stored away, your Home Care provider may be able to help to move them to easily accessible drawers and closets or organise a shopping trip to purchase any new items. Look for warm thermals or fabrics such as wool.
- Linen: Seek help to make up the bed with flannelette sheets, blankets and winter-weight quilts, ready for those icy nights.
- House: Warm up your home with heating if required. Keep windows closed and stop any cold draughts coming in under the doors. Your Home Care provider may be able to assist with tasks such as purchasing firewood, maintenance on heating equipment and checking that windows are sealed. Pop a warm rug near your favourite chair for easy access on those chilly nights.
- Equipment: Did you know you may be eligible to purchase an electric chair with a heating function with any surplus Home Care funds? Check with your provider to see if this is an option for you.
2. Maintaining social connections
When the days are short and its cold outside, the winter blues can be a real issue for older people who may feel lonely or isolated. While it might be tempting to stay indoors, it’s important that seniors still get out and about for their social, physical and mental well-being.
Depending on the approved level, Home Care Package recipients may be able to seek help to keep them socially active. Whether it’s organising a visit to the library or visiting a loved one, ask your provider what support is available to you.
For seniors with very limited mobility, there are ways to maintain social contact while at home. Perhaps your carer can assist with a family member’s visit to the house or simply stay for chat and a cuppa. And if all else fails, an old-fashioned phone call or virtual chat may just be what the doctor ordered.
3. Staying healthy
Cold weather can affect your general health and mood, but there are steps you can take to avoid getting sick and to maximise health.
In cold and flu season, seniors have an increased risk of developing respiratory illness such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Getting a flu vaccine is always a great way to prevent illness, as well as staying warm, avoiding sick people (even the grandkids!) and practising good hygiene.
Your Home Care provider may be able to assist with transport to get a flu shot or get a health check- up, and to ensure the home is fully stocked with items such as soap, sanitiser, vitamins and medications.
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4. Keep Moving: Stay Active, Stay Positive
Though we know it’s easier said than done, staying active is one of the best things you can do to feel more connected and boost your mood in winter.
Did you know that Under Australia’s Home Care Package program, eligible recipients can use their funding for services that support their health and well-being, which often includes:
- Transport to and from community activities
- Support workers to accompany them to events or classes
- Exercise programs that promote mobility and independence
- Group social outings or wellness programs
Yoga, dance and stretching are all great exercise options for seniors. And if you have access to an indoor pool, you may benefit from water aerobics as well.
Even a short walk in the fresh air can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being — and a carer can accompany or assist you to help make it safe and enjoyable.
Movement doesn’t have to be intense – just consistent. Staying active helps maintain mobility, boosts circulation, and brings a sense of routine and purpose to winter days.
5. Staying safe
Winter can present different risks for older adults. Make sure fireplaces, hot water bottles, electric blankets and heating equipment are in good working order and can be safely operated.
For seniors living in very cold climates at risk of ice, they should take extra care not to slip and fall in slippery conditions. Your Home Care provider may be able to assist with home modifications if this is an issue.
If seniors are still driving, it may be helpful to restrict travel to daylight hours. Shorter days may mean scheduling appointments and activities earlier in the day.
6. Eating well
Winter is a great time to review your diet if you are getting meals delivered. You might like to switch summer salads for seasonal winter veggies such as pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, cauliflower and broccoli. Your Home Care helper may be able to assist with food prep – they could whip these veggies into hearty soups and freeze the leftovers for a quick dinner another night.
While it might be tempting to overindulge in comfort foods during the cooler months, it may not be the best idea to fill the menu with pasta, potatoes and pudding! Maintain a healthy, portion-controlled diet for maximum health and comfort.
Remember to boost your Vitamin D intake if you have limited exposure to sunlight. You can do this with a supplement or foods such as oily fish and eggs. It’s also a good idea to increase your Vitamin C intake with winter fruits like mandarins and kiwi fruit or a supplement.
Hydration is also key to staying well during the winter months. Many older people forget to drink enough water, but it’s vital to stay hydrated. It can be helpful to keep a large water bottle nearby to ensure you are getting enough water throughout the day.
7. Find the Joy
It’s the little things that make us smile! Winter can be hard for mental health so it’s important to find ways to bring joy each day and plan things to look forward to.
Stay occupied with activities that bring joy, such as painting, writing, knitting, scrapbooking, gardening, doing puzzles or learning a new skill online. Even just playing music can have a huge impact on mood and well-being.
If you’re eligible for Companion Care, why not enjoy some time chatting over a cuppa, playing a game of Scrabble or watching a heartwarming movie over a hot chocolate.
And don’t forget our furry friends! Although things like dog grooming and vet bills aren’t covered, your Home Care plan may cover help with dog walking and pet care at home.
Winter-ready checklist
- Get warm clothes ready for the season
- Make the bed winter-ready
- Check heating equipment and fireplaces, and top up firewood
- Check windows and door gaps are sealed from draughts
- Pop a soft rug on your favourite chair
- Organise social visits
- Get a flu shot
- Top up medical supplies and vitamins
- Get active – join an exercise group or plan walks
- Check that hot water bottles and electric blankets are in good working order and can be safely used
- Install safety equipment such as handrails if ice is an issue
- Review meal plan with seasonal winter fruit and vegetables
- Keep a water bottle handy and stay hydrated
- Plan activities you enjoy
- Organise help with your furry friend
- Snuggle up and enjoy a hot chocolate 😊
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