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How Halloween can be stressful for the elderly

How Halloween can be stressful for the elderly

How Halloween can be stressful for the elderly
Halloween is an annual celebration that brings joy and excitement to many people around the world. However, for the elderly, this holiday can be a source of stress and anxiety. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why Halloween can be particularly challenging for the elderly.

1. Increased Noise and Disturbance: Halloween is often associated with loud noises, like fireworks and parties. For the elderly who are more sensitive to sound, these sudden bursts of noise can be distressing and overwhelming. The constant disturbance can disrupt their sleep patterns, worsen their mental health, and increase feelings of anxiety.

2. Increased Foot Traffic and Stranger Danger: Halloween is an event that encourages children and adults to roam the streets in costumes, going door-to-door for trick-or-treating. For elderly people living alone, this sudden increase in foot traffic and the constant doorbell ringing can be intimidating. They may feel compelled to answer the door to avoid appearing rude, which can be stressful and potentially put them at risk of encountering unfamiliar individuals.

3. Concerns about Safety: With Halloween festivities taking place mainly during the evening hours, elderly individuals may feel a heightened concern for their personal safety. The darkness can create an environment that is more conducive to accidents and falls, which are already common among the elderly population. Moreover, elderly people may worry about vandalism or theft during this time, leading to feelings of vulnerability and increased anxiety. With the increased risk in falls, ensure they have a personal fall alarm.

4. Negative Memories and Loneliness: Halloween often evokes memories of the past, which can be bittersweet for elderly individuals. For those who have lost loved ones, this holiday can serve as a reminder of their absence. Additionally, when elderly people see the excitement and sense of community associated with Halloween, it can highlight their own feelings of loneliness and isolation. This can contribute to feelings of depression and sadness during Halloween.

5. Complex and Overwhelming Decorations: As Halloween becomes increasingly commercialized, decorations have become more elaborate and extravagant. For elderly individuals, particularly those with mobility issues or visual impairments, navigating through the neighbourhood can become challenging. The complexity and intensity of the decorations can create an overwhelming sensory experience, making it difficult for them to enjoy the festivities or even go out for basic necessities.

6. Limited Active Participation: Halloween often involves active participation, such as dressing up, trick-or-treating, or attending parties. For elderly individuals who may not have the physical ability or desire to engage in these activities, Halloween can result in feelings of exclusion and alienation. They may feel left out from the communal experience, exacerbating feelings of sadness and isolation.

Conclusion
While Halloween is a time of celebration and enjoyment for many, it is important to recognise that it can be a stressful and distressing time for the elderly. Their concerns about safety, increased noise, disturbance, and loneliness are valid and must be acknowledged. As a society, we should strive to create inclusive environments that cater to the needs of all individuals, ensuring that Halloween remains an enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of age or circumstance.

Heatwave Safety for the Elderly

Heatwave Safety for the Elderly
Heatwave Safety for the Elderly
The summer months bring sunshine, BBQs and long days spent enjoying the outdoors. However, when temperatures soar, it’s important to take care to stay safe in the heat. While we can all feel the effects of a heatwave, it’s particularly important to look out for our elderly loved ones.

As we age, our bodies become less able to regulate temperature, meaning we’re more prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. With this in mind, here are some top tips for helping your elderly loved ones stay safe in the heat during a heatwave.

Hydration is Key
Staying hydrated is always important, but it’s particularly crucial during a heatwave. Encourage your elderly loved ones to drink regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
• Make sure they have plenty of water available, at least 6-8 cups per day
• Offer icy cold drinks like smoothies or homemade ice-lollies to make it more pleasant to drink

Keep Cool
When temperatures soar, it’s important to keep cool. Encourage your elderly loved ones to:
• Stay indoors between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest
• Keep windows and doors closed during the day, and open them at night to let cool air in
• Use a fan to circulate air (in extreme circumstances use air conditioning)
• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Take cool baths or showers

Check up on them regularly
If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, take the time to check up on them regularly during a heatwave, either in person or over the phone. This can be particularly important for those who live alone, or who are more vulnerable.
• Check in on them once in the morning and once in the evening
• Encourage them to call you if they feel unwell
• Keep an eye out for symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke

Know the Symptoms
Heatstroke can be life-threatening, so knowing its symptoms is crucial. Watch out for:
• Headaches
• Dizziness and confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Muscle cramps
• Dark urine

If you spot these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to act fast:
• Move to a cool place and rest
• Drink plenty of water
• Use a fan or cold compresses to cool down
• Seek medical help if symptoms don’t improve

Stay Safe in the Sun
While it’s important to get some sun for vitamin D, it’s equally important to stay safe in it. Encourage your elderly loved ones to:
• Wear a hat and loose, light clothing
• Use suncream with a high SPF
• Stay in the shade where possible
• Wear sunglasses to protect their eyes

To conclude, heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone, but particularly for the elderly. By taking some simple steps to stay cool, hydrated, and safe in the sun, we can help our elderly loved ones see out the summer in comfort.
WatchOvers.com

Keeping your Elderly Loved One Safe at Home

Keeping your Elderly Loved One Safe at Home

Keeping your Elderly Loved One Safe at Home

Introduction

As you get older, it's important to stay safe at home. The risks of falling or becoming ill are greater for seniors than they were when we were younger. If you live alone and have little or no family nearby, this can be especially challenging. You may not realise how much help is available in your community until you start asking questions and talking with people who care about you.

Our WatchOvers blog will give an overview of the types of risks that elderly people face and why it's so important to keep them safe at home as they age.

Maintaining Home Safety

• Check for trip and fall hazards. Make sure that the home is well lit, and consider installing grab bars in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Install assistive devices such as ramps, handrails and other devices to help people with mobility issues get around the house safely.
• Provide an SOS personal emergency alarm, do not wait until an accident happens as it could be too late.

Monitoring for Signs of Illness

• Watch for changes in behaviour.
• Monitor for signs of dehydration or malnutrition.
• Check for signs of depression, which can be a sign that something is wrong with your loved one's health and they may not feel well enough to ask for help.

Staying Connected with Family and Friends

• Encourage elderly to maintain social relationships with family and friends.
• Help elderly stay in touch with family and friends by arranging visits or phone calls, especially if they live alone.
• Encourage the use of technology such as Skype, Facetime or similar services so that they can keep in touch with loved ones from a distance.

Adapting the Home Environment

• Make the home environment easier to navigate.
• Provide adaptive equipment and technology where required. Remember to review their needs on a regular basis.
• Create a safe and secure home environment.

Assistance with Grooming and Hygiene

• Assistance with bathing and dressing.
• Help with personal hygiene and grooming.
• Provide reminders to brush teeth and wash hands – personal alarms can provide these reminders

Managing Medications

• Create a medication schedule.
• Help with pill reminders – personal alarm devices can provide these reminders.
• Keep medications out of reach of children and pets, who may mistake them for sweets or food if they're not stored properly!

Encouraging Exercise and Activity

Encouraging elderly to engage in regular physical activity is an important part of keeping them safe at home. It can be difficult for older adults to find activities that they enjoy, but it's worth the effort. If you know of any family members who might be interested in helping out, ask them if they would like to join your loved one on their morning walk.

Conclusion

So how can you help your elderly loved ones stay safe at home?

• Be aware of the risks and take action to prevent them.
• Keep in mind that there are many resources available to help the elderly live independently, such as personal alarms for the elderly, home care services, adult day care centres and senior living communities.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with caring for an elderly loved one or would like more information about our SOS personal alarms, please got to www.watchovers.com