Living with the Seasons in a care home: winter and spring
As the seasons change, life in care homes also transforms, bringing unique opportunities and challenges for residents and caregivers. Winter and spring are two distinct seasons, each offering a chance to embrace nature, celebrate traditions, and promote wellbeing among residents. In one of our previous blogs, we discussed how summer and autumn bring warmth, outdoor activities, and vibrant colours to care homes. Now, let’s dive into how the colder months of winter and the renewal of spring can also create meaningful experiences for residents.
Winter: A Time for Warmth and Reflection
1. Creating a Cosy Space
Care homes can embrace the concept of hygge—a Norwegian term for a mood of cosiness, pronounced “hoo-gah”—by creating warm, inviting environments. Providing soft blankets, gentle lighting, heated communal spaces, and soothing music can foster comfort and relaxation. Winter-themed decorations, such as fairy lights, Christmas wreaths, and candles, can brighten interiors and lift residents’ spirits. Additionally, comfortable indoor spaces with views of serene winter landscapes, like The Birchwood Garden, allow residents to enjoy the beauty of the season while staying warm and cosy inside.
2. Seasonal Activities to Boost Wellbeing
At Birchwood House, Lizzie, our Lifestyle Lead, is always brimming with creative ideas for winter activities to delight our residents. In Arts and Crafts, residents can immerse themselves in seasonal projects such as creating delicate snowflake decorations, knitting cosy scarves, or making handmade holiday cards. There’s also the opportunity to wrap Christmas presents together, turning a simple task into a shared, joyful experience. These activities not only encourage creativity but also provide a relaxing and meaningful way to celebrate the festive season.
To add a sense of warmth and nostalgia, care homes can host ‘Music and Stories’ sessions. Residents can gather for storytelling or join in sing-alongs featuring classic winter songs and cherished holiday carols. These heartwarming moments bring people together, fostering a strong sense of community and shared joy during this special time of year.
For those who love spending time in the kitchen, baking and cooking activities offer a delicious and therapeutic experience. And who doesn’t like gingerbread cookies?
3. Celebrating the Festive Season
Winter is a season filled with festive cheer, from the warmth of Christmas to the excitement of ringing in the New Year. These holidays offer wonderful opportunities for care homes to come alive with celebrations, decorations, and social gatherings. Activities such as tree decorating, holiday-themed performances, and seasonal crafts can bring joy and foster a sense of community among residents.
To ensure residents feel loved and connected during this special time, care homes can encourage virtual, or in-person visits from family members. Whether it’s a video call or a shared holiday meal, these moments of connection can brighten spirits and create lasting memories.
4. Supporting Physical Health
While winter brings beauty, its colder temperatures can impact mobility and overall health. To keep residents active and comfortable, care homes can offer gentle indoor exercises such as chair yoga, stretching routines, or light dancing sessions. Staying active not only supports physical health but also boosts mood and energy levels.
Additionally, prioritising proper nutrition and hydration is essential during the winter months. Warm, nourishing meals like soups and stews can provide comfort while ensuring residents receive the nutrients they need.
Spring: A Season of Renewal and Growth
As the days grow warmer and nature begins to bloom, spring offers a wonderful opportunity to enhance the well-being of care home residents through thoughtful activities and seasonal changes. One way to bring the outdoors in is by incorporating fresh flowers, plants, and spring-themed decorations into communal spaces and residents’ rooms.
These simple additions can brighten up the environment and create a sense of connection to the season.
Organising gardening activities, such as planting seeds in small pots or raised beds, also allows residents to engage with nature, giving them a sense of purpose and satisfaction as they watch their plants grow.
Outdoor activities are another great way to make the most of the fresh air and sunshine. Care homes can arrange safe outdoor walks or time spent in gardens, allowing residents to enjoy the natural surroundings. Activities like birdwatching, picnics, or simply sitting in the sun can significantly boost mood and wellbeing, providing both physical and emotional benefits.
Spring is also a time for celebration, with events like Easter, Mother’s Day, and Earth Day offering opportunities for themed activities, crafts, and family visits. Hosting spring fairs, tea parties, or musical performances can bring joy to residents and foster a sense of community. These events not only create special memories but also allow families and friends to connect with their loved ones in a festive and supportive environment.
Promoting both physical and mental health is essential during this season. The arrival of spring is an ideal time to encourage gentle outdoor exercises, such as tai chi, gardening, or stretching in the sun, which can improve flexibility and overall well-being. Additionally, incorporating fresh seasonal produce—like strawberries, asparagus, and leafy greens—into meals promotes healthy eating and supports residents’ nutritional needs. Mental well-being can also be nurtured through mindfulness activities, outdoor meditation, or simply taking time to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Supporting residents through seasonal transitions is important, especially as the change from winter to spring can sometimes be challenging for older adults. Care homes can help by monitoring health, paying attention to any changes in mood, energy levels, or physical health that may be influenced by the shift in seasons. Maintaining familiar routines can also provide a sense of stability and security during this time of change. Additionally, offering emotional support is key, as seasonal transitions may trigger memories or feelings of loneliness. Staff can provide companionship, listen to residents’ stories, and foster connections to ensure that residents feel supported and engaged.
By embracing the spirit of spring and thoughtfully incorporating these activities, care homes can create a positive and uplifting environment that enhances the wellbeing of their residents during this vibrant season.
To learn more about ‘Living with Seasons’ in care homes, check out Part 1 here.
