January can be a tough month. With the high-spirited Christmas events over, low temperatures, and less sunshine, all these things can contribute to the common manifestation known as the ‘January Blues’. As a care home manager, there are many things you could consider when it comes to maintaining a positive atmosphere with your care. These will not only benefit your residents, but also your team and other members of staff. Here are some key examples of how to beat the January Blues in your care home.
Obtaining vitamin D from the natural light can greatly improve the mood of residents. It has been shown to improve the body’s circadian rhythm and boost serotonin levels. Many elderly individuals can benefit from spending some time outside each day.
On days when the weather is too harsh, opening binds or curtains in their rooms and sitting near a window can be a good alternative. If possible, trimming trees or bushes which may be blocking views can help bring more light into your care home.
Being around other people and/or talking to them can truly lift spirits. But for those living in a care home, getting out and about is not easy. But a simple phone call can make a huge difference, even if there are video calls. Since the pandemic, there are a host of activities you can enjoy doing online, from watching broadway shows, to even going on an online safari.
Psychical activities like walking challenges for example can provide great opportunities for residents to come together, share laughter, and build lasting connections. These sessions foster a camaraderie that transcends simple workouts, cultivating a warm and supportive community.
Exercise, while important all year round, can be vital to lifting your residents up during the winter months. Whether they exercise indoors or dress in layers and take the exercising outdoors for some fresh air, if the temperature isn’t too cold. Stretching and walking are a couple of ideas to get you started.
Strength exercises should be easy and can be done inside your care home to improve the health and mobility of your residents. From the strategic movements in balloon tennis to the rhythmic exercises in dance classes, each activity contributes to enhancing muscle tone and overall physical wellbeing. If some residents are in need of gentler exercises, there are plenty of ideas out there. With sitting exercises such as neck rotations and upper-body twists, workouts like these are easy to follow and can help prevent falls.
Participating in a range of physical activities can significantly boost cognitive functions. Engaging in activities like boxing and dancing, which demand coordination, rhythm, and mental focus, can significantly boost memory retention and sharpen cognitive skills. It's a holistic approach to wellbeing that recognises the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.
A care home must ensure that residents are well-fed and hydrated, meeting their nutritional and hydration needs with the necessary support. Regular assessments and reviews of residents' nutritional requirements are crucial, and it's essential to provide food and drinks that cater to these needs.
Eating a balanced diet is essential for older adults and is a natural way to boost their mood and energy. Providing the body with the right combination of proteins, carbohydrates, dairy products, fruits and vegetables.
When experiencing the January blues for the elderly, it can be tempting for them to want to alter schedules to avoid activities and socialisation and keep to themselves. But establishing a consistent routine is fundamental for their mental health. Routines can improve immune function, helping to protect their circadian rhythm and even sleeping habits.