“IF WE CAN WINTER THIS ONE OUT, WE CAN SUMMER ANYWHERE”
– SEAMUS HEANEY
HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS TO SUPPORT YOUR WELLBEING WHILE LIVING WITH THE ADDED REALITY OF COVID-19 VIRUS THIS WINTER.
* BOOST YOUR WELLBEING.
- Giving- Do things for and with others.
Are there ways other could benefit from your time, energy, ideas, knowledge or skills? Connect with people and consider old or new ways to do this safely.
- Exercise.
Try get in a daily walk if you are able or a Home Exercise Programme instead.
- Use your senses to be aware of your surroundings.
Take time to smell the coffee.
- Keep learning new things.
Think about signing up for a new course or trying a new recipe.
* NUTRITION.
- Plan how you can get your meals for the week.
Aim to include nutritious meals, snacks and fluids regularly throughout the day.
- Keep a well-stocked store cupboard and freezer.
This will help you to have balanced meals. Potatoes as well as dried pasta and rice, will provide you with starchy carbohydrate, while fresh, frozen and tinned fruit and vegetables all count towards your ‘5 a day’. Tinned fish, beans peas and lentils are useful sources of protein to add to store cupboard meals when fresh sources9e.g meat, fish and eggs) are not available.
- Have a back up plan.
If you cant cook, consider some ready-made or frozen meals, batch cooking, meal delivery services or talk to your Public health Nurse about Meal on Wheels.
* A SAFE HOME.
- Keep house clutter free.
Maintain a clutter free environment to reduce the risk of falls ( such as rugs/ wires/ obstacles).
- Wear suitable shoes.
Have suitable shoes both for indoors and outdoors. ( non slip, secure back, comfortable and water resistant for outdoors).
- Have the chimney cleaned and ensure you have enough fuel.
- Have a well-stocked first aid kit.
Have a well-stocked first aid box for small cuts/ burns/ small injuries.
* YOUR PRIMARY CARE TEAM.
- The Primary Care Team
The Primary Care Team covers a specific geographical area. Team members may include GPs, Public Health Nurses, Chartered Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapist, Registered Dietitians, Counsellors, Social Workers, Home Help Co-ordinators and Speech and Language Therapists.
- Make and appointment with your GP.
If you have a condition that worsens in the winter, discuss this with your GP. Talk to your GP particularly if you are underweight, losing weight or have had any falls or an other health concerns.
- Make sure you get the FLU/ Pneumonia vaccine.
You can avail of this through your GP.
* REACH OUT
Alone is one of many organisations to help support older people to age at home, it includes a wide range of practical and social support.
☎ 0818 222 024 ? hello@alone.ie ?️ www.alone.ie
Community supports available are notified on local county council websites.
* QUICK TIP
Have your EIRCODE written on several labels for quick retrieval in the case of an emergency.
Keep a pocket torch handy in case of power cuts.