Summer is winding down and the warm, summer days and nights we all love will soon be coming to an end. As summer slowly gives way to autumn, cooler temperatures, turning leaves and pumpkin spice, some seniors may find that their spirits begin to sink. The end of summer can mean less time to spend outside with neighbors, children and grandchildren who may soon be preoccupied with the busy fall season. Post pandemic, some seniors are still feeling vulnerable as well and the thoughts of not being able to gather with friends indoors might lead to anxiety or even depression.
As mid-to-late August arrives, it is easy to start feeling somewhat nostalgic. We know those seemingly endless days of summer and the warmer temperatures will be leaving us. The time we may have spent gardening or visiting with folks in the backyard will also soon be just a memory. Looming cooler temperatures can also be an unwelcome reminder that those with mobility issues typically find life becomes more of a challenge as fall and winter arrive.
However, all is not lost! Now is perhaps the perfect time to remind ourselves that late summer and early fall are still ahead. Rather than dwell on a season’s end, it’s the perfect time to do some list making and think of ways to ‘bring summer inside.” For example, harvesting herbs from a summer garden and drying them for winter use would be a great way to help you savour summer flavours during the colder months. In a similar vein, creating an indoor garden planter is a late-season project that would bring summer colour to your rooms year-round. Family and friends can help generate a list of similar projects to keep summer alive all winter long. You may even want to try teaching the next generation of your family a few family secrets, like how to make jams or jellies from all the bountiful fruit available this time of year. You may not be able to do it alone anymore but a little help from family is all you need and a great way to pass along a family tradition or treasured recipe too. While you’re waiting for the jam jars to cool, pull out the photo albums and spend some time reflecting on summers past with loved ones.
Seniors may find that they require some extra help to support them in some of their daily activities more so than in the past. The end of summer, requiring us to think about the fall, bad weather and retreating indoors can lead to a bad case of the “end-of-summer blues.” In times like these, and when family members are returning to school and their regular routines, making them not as easily available to support a loved one, that’s where the caregivers from Milestone Health Services come in. We offer fully qualified companion care to support you or your family member by assisting with daily care, (like bathing and dressing) accompanying them on outings (whether to the market, or the doctor’s office) or simply by assisting and spending time with them while they engage in hobbies or crafts they enjoy. This level of comprehensive and caring companion support is designed to maintain seniors’ mental AND physical health and well-being throughout the seasons.
Milestone Health caregivers are matched to the client’s personality to ensure comfortable, satisfying relationships. Flexible scheduling options mean you decide on how often care and support services are required. For example, companion caregivers can transport seniors to fitness classes, hair appointments and social events. They can accompany your loved one on excursions to look for fresh, nutritious produce at the local Farmers’ Market. They can also make sure seniors remember to take their medicine and supplements on time as they navigate those busy last few weeks of summer.
And while we are talking about supplements, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of fresh air and sunshine to both our positive mental state and physical well-being. Time in nature is a natural mood enhancer. Sunshine brings the added benefit of replenishing our Vitamin D stores. Adequate intake of Vitamin D can help prevent bone breakdown, lower the risk of influenza as flu season approaches, and more. Supplements and a good diet can support adequate vitamin D intake, but nothing beats some time in the sun. Seniors can prevent losses of Vitamin D simply by exposing their skin to the sun’s rays for 20 minutes a few times each week. Don’t forget sunscreen, to ensure delicate skin is protected from harmful UV rays.
With a bit of planning and the right caregiver support, end of summer doldrums can become active days spent planning and enjoying activities and building lasting memories.
To learn more about Milestone Health Services companion care, contact us today. Email info@milestonehealth.ca or call 1-833-392-7366