Active Retirement Ireland held an expo area at the Mallow Home & Garden show and had a wide rang of exhibitors in attendance. Various exhibitors in this section advised about ageing in Ireland and focused on areas such as health, activity, financial security, travel, holidays, lifelong learning, social and cultural activities, sports, cooking and fashion. Our stand pictured above represented Hidden Hearing Cork, Hidden Hearing Mallow, Hidden Hearing Fermoy and also Hidden Hearing Limerick. We met many people on the day inquiring for family members and even themselves.

The outside displays comprise of garden furniture, bespoke furniture & displays and flower exhibitions. See some of the wonderful displays below.

To book your free hearing test in Hidden Hearing Cork, Hidden Hearing Mallow, Hidden Hearing Fermoy or Hidden hearing Limerick call 1800 882 884 or click here to fill out a short contact form and will will be in touch shortly.

The post Hidden Hearing at The Mallow Home & Garden Show 2017 appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

Active Retirement – Positivity, Empowerment & Support

Active Retirement is a voluntary organisation for older people in Ireland with over 25,000 members nationwide. The association is comprised of a national network of groups that stand up for older people, empower them and support them to get the most from their retirement.

Hidden Hearing is proud to be partnering with an admirably positive charity for older people in Ireland. The organisation is structured regionally through 9 regions whose role is to bring the local associations together for information, training, seminars and activities. Anyone joining Active Retirement Ireland is guaranteed to have fun and have their voices heard, regardless of age, gender, culture or any other grounds.

“Share the Experience” fundraising campaign is geared at introducing the Active Retirement Ireland experience to over 1500 new members throughout 2017.

Speaking at the Launch

CEO of Active Retirement Ireland, Maureen Kavanagh, at the launch of the campaign said: “Like all charitable organisations, Active Retirement Ireland is really feeling the pinch. As an organisation, we are committed to enabling older people in Ireland to get the most out of retirement and we need support to deliver that important message. We believe that retirement is only the beginning, and getting involved with your local Active Retirement is a great way to stay happy, healthy and connected. We greatly appreciate our corporate partners for their help as we spread that important message.”

Hidden Hearing at the Launch

Dolores Madden, Marketing Director here at Hidden Hearing, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Active Retirement Ireland on their “Share the Experience” campaign. It is great to see a charity with a refreshingly positive approach to encouraging older people to live life to the full. We believe this empowers their members in practical and inspiring ways to lead full and active lives in retirement. This approach mirrors our own philosophy at Hidden Hearing as we work to promote the positive benefits of looking after hearing health in order to enjoy a happy and healthy life post retirement.”

About Hidden Hearing

Hidden Hearing is Ireland’s leading private provider of hearing care solutions, with a national network of over seventy-five branches and clinics. If you of a family member are experiencing problems with your hearing, you can make an appointment for a free hearing test and talk to our audiologists.

Hearing aids come in a variety of designs and styles to suit you and your lifestyle, and your audiologist will work with you to find the perfect fit.

The post Hidden Hearing Partners With Active Retirement for “Share the Experience” Winter Fundraising Campaign appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

For one week only a chance to save 10% – is this the right time to enjoy better hearing?

We are delighted to announce we’ve launched our new website, we hope you enjoy it and find it easy to navigate! To celebrate the launch of our new website we are offering a 10% discount off the regular price of any hearing aids for a limited time only*.

At present a Government grant worth up to €1,000 is available to most working and retired people (subject to status). Our friendly staff can explain how the scheme works and you should also ask about our 0% finance payment plan.

Website Launch Discount; Save 10% – Wednesday 14^th – Wednesday 21st October 2015.

No matter what type of hearing aid you choose you will receive the benefits of our exclusive lifelong aftercare which includes everything you need for 4 years – our assurance of best value anywhere in Ireland!

Already wear hearing aids? No matter where you bought them, you can join our Battery Club and avail of our hugely discounted battery pack (6 cells) rate of €1 per pack – no purchase necessary!

So what are you waiting for? book your free hearing test HERE  and quote your special discount code ENLR1015.  Or you can contact your local clinic HERE for details, or freephone 1800 818 808 to reach a Hidden Hearing clinic near you.

 *Terms and conditions apply, 10% discount can not be used with any other offer

The post Take 10% discount to celebrate our new website launch! appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

Quaid Cleland 9 Years old from Rathfarnham, with 97 year old Maureen Cronin from Clare.

So she decided to continue teaching for a full year without pay. She went on to have an illustrious career as a  teacher until well after the ban was eventually lifted in 1958. And now despite her advancing years, her zest for life hasn’t waned.A voracious reader, she also puts pen to paper every day, whether it be to write a short verse or a story. She is well known to readers of The Clare Champion, with her poetry regularly featuring in the newspaper’s letters pages. She has also published eight books of poetic verse, donating the proceeds to charities close to her heart. To help raise awareness of Ireland’s deaf community, and to highlight the issue of hearing loss, Hidden Hearing launched their forth annual ‘Heroes Awards’ today. The awards ceremony honours those who have made a significant but unheralded contribution to society.

Ben Wallace (15) was chosen as winner of the ‘Triumph Over Adversity Award’ for completing his Junior Certificate this summer while in hospital undergoing chemotherapy. The ‘Youth Award’ went to nine-year-old Quaid Cleland. The Dubliner was chosen for his crusade to get Ireland using Irish Sign Language. He is currently lobbying RTE to use Irish Sign Language on this year’s Late Late Toy Show. Since January, he has been sending the national broadcaster a video once a month showing him ‘signing’ a different word or phrase.

The full listing of the 2014 winners for the ‘Hidden Hearing Heroes Awards’ are:

RTE’s Brenda Donohue, Valerie McCabe-Slattery from Dublin, Sonya Keogh from Cork, Dolores Madden, marketing manager, Hidden Hearing. (front row) Maureen Cronin from Clare, Quaid Cleland (age 9) from Dublin, Kevin Stanley from Dublin and Eithne O’Connell accepting award on behalf of nephew Ben Wallace (age 15) from Kildare.

Youth Award – Quaid Cleland (Dublin)

Nine-year-old Quaid was chosen as the winner of the Youth Award for his crusade to get Ireland using Irish Sign Language (ISL) and help bridge the gap between hearing and Deaf children and adults. Although he can hear, Quaid was introduced to ISL at the age of six by his mother Derval who was studying communication with the Deaf.

Age Is No Barrier Award – Maureen Cronin (Clare)

97-year-old Maureen Cronin played a key role in getting the marriage ban lifted for school teachers in 1950s Ireland. She became a test case for the INTO Teachers’ Union when she defied the ban and carried on teaching in Limerick for a full year without pay, then continuing her career until well after the ban was eventually lifted in 1958.

Deaf / Hard of Hearing Award – Kevin Stanley (Dublin)

Kevin has played a role with organisations such as the Irish Deaf Youth Association, the Catholic Institute for Deaf People, Leinster Deaf Sports Council, Deaf Heritage Centre and the Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency over almost 30 years.

Triumph Over Adversity Award – Ben Wallace (Kildare)

Fifteen-year-old Ben was nominated by his mother Orla for the determination and courage he has demonstrated since being diagnosed with leukaemia in August 2011. Despite undergoing gruelling chemotherapy, Ben was so determined to complete his Junior Certificate this year that he did his exams at Crumlin Hospital and received his results. Ben was unable to attend the Awards as he is due to get a bone marrow transplant next week donated by his seven-year-old sister Ava.

Medical Hero Award – Dr Phelim Donnelly (Galway)

Dr Phelim Donnelly has provided compassionate and consistent care to all of his patients for over 50 years and continues to do so. He also worked tirelessly as President of the Medical Union and as President of the Irish Medical Organisation fighting for doctors in the workplace.

Unsung Hero Award – Sonya Keogh (Cork)

Cork woman Sonya Keogh was nominated for creating and directing summer SING! and SIGN!, a joint musical performance for the Deaf and hearing in association with the Cork Deaf Association at the Triskel Christchurch Centre. Sonya is an opera singer and Creative Director of ARTlifeCULTURE.

Family Award – Valerie McCabe-Slattery (Dublin)

Valerie was awarded the Family Award for the care and support she has given to her 95-year-old father Charles who has hearing loss. Despite losing her husband last year and working at two jobs, the Sandyford woman remains optimistic and dedicated to caring for her father.

Anybody who might be concerned about their hearing, can avail of a free hearing test at any of Hidden Hearing’s 60 clinics nationwide. Freephone 1800 370 000 or visit www.hiddenhearing.ie

The post Heroes honoured at the Hidden Hearing "Heroes Awards". appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

On Hearing Loss

1. Dr. Byrnes. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for our readers. Can you tell us a little about your background?

I have been working full-time as a GP since 2005. I am a partner in Oakwood Medical Clinic, a new doctor’s surgery in Castleknock, Dublin. When I’m not in practice I’m also involved in teaching Trinity medical students. I write the health column ‘Medical Matters’ in the Sunday Business Post Agenda magazine and I also work with Hidden Hearing as their Medical Liaison Officer. In my work as a GP I see that hearing loss and untreated hearing loss are significant issues. My role with the company is to promote better hearing health.

2. Is hearing loss an inevitable part of the ageing process?

The accepted figure for people with hearing loss in Ireland is 1 in 6. However, as people get older, say over the age of 60, hearing loss typically affects 1 in 3 people, so it is a very common problem. However, with modern digital hearing aids, hearing loss can be easily addressed. Researchers have found that digital hearing aids offered people a 40% improvement in hearing and quality of life. My advice is if you suspect you may have a hearing loss, go to your GP or book a free hearing test at any one of over sixty Hidden Hearing branches and clinics nationwide. While hearing loss may be more likely as you‘re older, suffering from it should not be inevitable.

3. What are the most common causes of hearing loss in older people?

Hearing loss can often be caused by a blockage in the outer or middle ear, or both, which could be caused by an infection or wax build up or other factors. This type of hearing loss can be temporary in nature and in some cases may be treated medically or surgically.

If the hearing loss is Presbyacus, also known as age-related hearing loss, there is a problem in the inner ear or auditory nerve, which affects the hair cells that detect soft, high-pitched sounds, so it can be very difficult to hear speech clearly, especially when there is competing background noise. This type of loss is permanent; however it can usually be addressed with hearing aids. In this case the first step on the road to better hearing is to take a hearing test to determine the type and level of hearing loss you have.

4. Is hearing loss progressive?

Yes in some cases hearing loss can get worse over time. This type of hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors. The majority of progressive hearing loss is passed on genetically. Noise-induced hearing loss can also be progressive, with continued exposure to loud noise.

However, all forms of hearing loss can have a negative effect if left untreated. Untreated hearing loss can affect the brain’s ability to remember common everyday sounds.  Once hearing has started to fade, the brain stores sounds up to three years and after seven years this memory becomes weaker. Delaying treatment can therefore seriously affect the rehabilitation process for patients once treatment is sought, as the ‘’new’’ sounds can be disorientating and confusing.

5. Are people reluctant to admit to hearing loss? Is denial a problem?

In my experience as a GP, and this experience would be echoed throughout Hidden Hearing’s 60 hearing centres, is that people typically ignore their hearing loss and delay seeking treatment for many years. There are many reasons why people delay in seeking treatment for a hearing loss. People often see it as part of the ageing process, so don’t do anything about it. Also, as hearing loss happens gradually overtime, people learn to adapt and cope

Sometimes people don’t realise just how advanced treatment has become. There may also be a stigma attached to hearing loss and wearing hearing aids. In many cases people don’t realise that hearing aids have become so advanced and discreet, you’d never know someone is wearing one. Yet despite this fewer than 20% of people, who could benefit from hearing loss treatment, actually seek treatment.

6. What are the social consequences of continued neglect of hearing loss?

Delaying treatment for any medical condition, whether a hearing loss or another condition is never a good idea. We need to ensure that those who aren’t hearing as well as they used to, continue to lead fulfilling and active lives. If you are struggling with your hearing, often people develop coping mechanisms, conversation can place a great strain on them and people can even stop socialising and start to become isolated.

As hearing loss usually develops over time, its often family and friends who first notice the hearing loss and therefore can play a key role in encouraging people to take a hearing test.

On Testing

7. How can one arrange a hearing test?

You can arrange to have a free hearing test at any one of Hidden Hearing’s 60 hearing centres nationwide or call free on 1800 882 884 or visiting www.hiddenhearing.ie for further information.

8. How much does a hearing test cost?

A no obligation hearing test with Hidden Hearing is entirely free. A hearing test takes approximately one hour and includes questions on your medical history, an examination of your ears, a speech mapping test and expert advice. A full hearing test report will be sent to participants’ GPs. Hidden Hearing recommends that a friend or family member accompanies you to the hearing test and consultation.

9. Can a hearing test be done at home?

Yes, you can arrange to have a free hearing test in the privacy of your own home by calling free on 1800 882 884.

On Hearing Aids

10. On average, how much does a hearing aid cost?

Hidden Hearing provide a range of digital hearing aids, offered at various prices to suit our customers’ budgets and hearing loss. Hidden Hearing offer entry level digital hearing aids starting at €295, but prices can rise to say €1,000/ €2,000. Hearing aids can be an expensive investment and I know that Hidden Hearing always ask that customers bring a companion for their hearing test and all consultations – both for support during the test but also buying a hearing aid should be a family decision.

11. Can you give a brief description of how a modern hearing aid works?

The new generation of modern hearing aids use computer processing and multidirectional microphones to pick out speech from a noisy environment, so the important speech element is filtered back to the wearer. And if you are using two hearing aids, both devices communicate with each other in real time, so they adapt in sync to the noise environment. To improve people’s experience of using mobile phones, TVs, radios and other audio and entertainment devices, some new digital hearing aids can even connect wirelessly to these devices so you have a seamless hearing experience. Things have certainly moved on for the best.

12. Is a hearing aid easy to use?

Yes, hearing aids are extremely easy to use. At Hidden Hearing, the audiologist will assist in choosing the right hearing aid to suit the customer’s lifestyle and will guide them through how the hearing aid operates. Hidden Hearing also provides an outstanding aftercare service which includes a five year warranty, a 90 day money back guarantee and free batteries for life. Two follow up visits are included to ensure that the customer is comfortable and happy with the hearing aid and that the device is fine-tuned to suit their every day life.

13. How visible is a hearing aid device?

Hearing aids can differ in size and appearance. Often negative perceptions of hearing aids are fueled by memories of older, analogue hearing aids. The new digital hearing aids are so much more technologically advanced and discreet; they are often invisible to other people. ‘In The Ear’ hearing aids are the most popular style recommended by Hidden Hearing. These hearing aids are custom made for each patient. An impression of the inside of your ear is taken by the Audiologist to ensure that the shell of the hearing aid is made to exactly match the contours of your ear.

– About Hidden Hearing

Hidden Hearing is one of Ireland’s premier providers of hearing healthcare in the private sector with a national network of over sixty branches and clinics. With modern testing facilities, qualified hearing aid audiologists, state-of-the-art audiological equipment and hearing devices, free aftercare service and a 90-day money back guarantee, Hidden Hearing is committed to providing their customers with a professional hearing healthcare service.

For more information or to book a free hearing test, call 1800 882 884 or visit www.hiddenhearing.ie.

Source Senior Care   http://bit.ly/1fOdbcN  

The post Hearing Loss in Older People – An Interview with Dr. Nina Byrnes appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

Protecting your ears from continuednoise exposure and keeping ear infections at bay are fundamental. However, It may come as a surprise that there are foods you can eat to help protect and prevent hearing loss, and halt the progression of any current hearing loss. Do you know which foods are good for hearing health? Here’s a list of foods to keep in your shopping list to make sure you’re able to enjoy healthy ears.

 Omega 3 Fats and Vitamin D

The high levels of omega 3 fats and Vitamin D generally found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, trout or sardines, can have highly positive effects on hearing loss. Omega-3s, we know these fats have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and reduce inflammation; which can damage sensitive tissues, including those in our ear

Anti-oxidants and Folic Acid

A regular intake of antioxidants, especially in the form of folic acid commonly found in spinach, asparagus, beans, broccoli, eggs, liver or nuts, can reduce the risk of hearing loss by up to 20%. Antioxidants reduce the number of free radicals that swirl through your body and which can otherwise damage the nerve tissue in your inner ears. That might be because the body uses folic acid to metabolize homocysteine, an inflammatory compound that reduces circulation. Good circulation is an important component in keeping the hair cells of the inner ear healthy and working properly.                 

 Magnesium        

Magnesium, commonly found in bananas, potatoes, artichokes or broccoli, has been shown to provide additional protection against noise induced hearing loss. Low potassium levels have also been linked to poor hearing. To increase your potassium intake eat foods like apricots, bananas, lima beans, milk and raisins.

Zinc

You can increase your inner ear’s resistance to the boon of age related hearing loss by keeping a healthy dose of Zinc. This can be found in dark chocolate or oysters, among many. Zinc boosts body’s immune system and is also responsible for cell growth and healing wounds, so it’s potentially helpful in warding off germs that cause the common cold and, ultimately, those pesky ear infections. Foods rich in zinc include beef, port and dark-meat chicken, cashews, almonds, peanuts, beans, split peas, lentils, oysters – and dark chocolate!                                 

Vitamin C, E and Glutathione

Vitamin E protects blood vessels and nerves around the ear while vitamin C boosts immune function to resist ear infections. Similar to antioxidants, Vitamin C/E can keep free radicals in check and strengthen your overall immune system. The source is easy to find: vegetables (e.g. oranges) and fruits (e.g. bell peppers).

Eat Better, Prevent Hearing Loss

Most of these supplements are inexpensive and readily available. More importantly, the majority of these substances are safe to take for the vast majority of people who suffer from hearing loss. Who knew that better hearing was as close as the nearest multivitamin! If you want to learn more about our ears, or how to prevent hearing loss or need a bit advice on hearing aids, just contact us. In the meantime, eat healthy and you’ll hear better!

If you are worried about your hearing contact your local Hidden Hearing branch.  Hidden Hearing offers free hearing tests at its 60 branches nationwide. To book a free hearing test Freephone 1800 370 000 or visit http://www.hiddenhearing.ie.

The post Hidden Hearing Recommends Eating For Hearing Health appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

The combination of vitamins A, C and E, plus magnesium, was given in pill form to patients who are participating in the research. Developed at the U-M Kresge Hearing Research Institute, the medication, called AuraQuell, is designed to be taken before a person is exposed to loud noises. In earlier testing at U-M on guinea pigs, the combination of the four micronutrients blocked about 80 percent of the noise-induced hearing impairment.

Now the medication is being tested in human clinical trials: military trials in Sweden and Spain, an industrial trial in Spain, and a trial involving students at the University of Florida who listen to music at high volumes on their iPods and other PDAs, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Until a decade ago, it was thought that noise damaged hearing by intense mechanical vibrations that destroyed the delicate structures of the inner ear. There was no intervention to protect the inner ear other than reducing then intensity of sound reaching it, such as ear plugs, which are not always effective. It was then discovered that noise caused intense metabolic activity in the inner ear and the production of molecules that damage the inner ear cells; and that allowed the discovery of an intervention to prevent these effects.

The military tests in the new study could be of particular importance because of the high number of soldiers who develop hearing loss in the line of duty, due to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other noises.

Hearing loss commonly occurs, when loud noises trigger the formation of molecules inside the ear and these molecules cause damage to the hair cells of the inner ear. The cells then shut down and scar, and they cannot grow back. The U-M researchers discovered that this new combination of vitamins, when mixed with magnesium, can prevent noise-induced damage to the ears by blocking some of these complex cellular reactions.

At Hidden Hearing, we’ll keep you updated on how the research goes.

Anybody who might be concerned about their hearing, can avail of a free hearing test at any Hidden Hearing branch nationwide. You can book a hearing test free of charge at any of Hidden Hearing’s 60 clinics nationwide. Freephone 1800 370 000 or visit www.hiddenhearing.ie.

The post Can Vitamins and Magnesium help with hearing loss? appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

Eileen

Researchers recently identified four healthy lifestyle factors that could go a long way toward reducing your father’s risk of contracting common and life-threatening diseases.  Those successful ageing practices are not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and following a healthy diet.

Together, these four lifestyle attributes appear to be associated with as much as an 80 percent reduction in the risk of developing such diseases as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer, according to a report in Archives of Internal Medicine.

The article explains that cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes-chronic diseases, which account for many deaths, are largely preventable. “An impressive body of research has implicated modifiable lifestyle factors such as smoking, physical activity, diet and body weight in the causes of these diseases,” the authors write.

After adjusting for age, sex, education level and occupation, individuals with more healthy lifestyle factors were less likely to develop chronic diseases.  Participants who had all four healthy ageing factors at the beginning of the study had a 78 percent lower risk of developing any of the chronic diseases during the follow-up period than those who had none of the healthy factors.

Although it was not included in the study, companionship also is an important part of a senior’s healthy lifestyle.  Since your father is alone, make sure that he has the kind of meaningful social interaction that will help him continue to live an independent and healthy life.

That means encouraging him to participate in activities outside the home. These could include things like a bridge club or active seniors group or even learning a new skill. Some secondary schools look for interested local seniors to come into the school to be trained on using the internet by transition year students. Your local library may be a source of useful information on clubs and associations in your area.

If he’s not able to get out and about so easily consider ways of bringing the companionship to him. Does he have a few friends who could come to the house regularly? Try and find something that will appeal to his existing interests. If he loves his garden, perhaps some members of the local gardening club could drop by?

Seniors who are alone, particularly those who need help with the activities of daily living, are at risk of developing unhealthy lifestyle habits without this important support.

You can book a hearing test free of charge at any of Hidden Hearing’s 60 clinics nationwide. Freephone 1800 882884 or visit www.hiddenhearing.ie.

The post What’s the secret of healthy aging? appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

Taking care of "little" health glitches now could slash your risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease later by 40 percent.

Hearing loss in older age has other repercussions beyond the sensory loss and beyond the individual. Those close to you start to get irritated with you. Some might stop talking to you altogether. As frustrating as it is for you it is also frustrating for friends and family members. Hearing is how we primarily communicate; talking on the phone, listening to the television or radio and how we communicate face-to-face. Loss of hearing primarily creates difficulties in communicating. It’s difficult to accept change, and many people will blame anything and everything before admitting that their hearing isn’t what it used to be. But one thing is certain: You need help.

Causes of late onset deafness are usually linked to diminished functionality in the middle ear. There are two primary causes for this degeneration. There is an erosion of the microscopic blood vessels in the middle ear that causes hearing loss but does not disproportionately affect the individual’s ability to hear and understand speech.

The second degeneration is caused by loss of the ear’s tiny “hair” cells – known clinically as presbycusis. Presbycusis can have a more serious affect on the ability to understand speech. Vital components of speech sounds, usually the higher pitched consonants – which define speech – become indistinguishable. It is for this reason that many people first have trouble in understanding women and children – and since men are more likely than women to have hearing impairment – this can and does create psychological friction. The lower pitched male voices are often easier to hear and comprehend. As hearing deteriorates the ability to understand speech becomes more severely affected.

Some people may have a genetic predisposition, while diet and lifestyle may also play a role. For example exposure to noise or pressure – as in diving and flying – in earlier life will hasten the onset of noticeable hearing loss. Other factors include osteoporosis, and some diuretic medications directly contribute to diminished hearing.

Intiga is the world’s smallest fully wireless hearing solution compared to behind-the-ear hearing solutions with binaural processing and streaming capabilities.

Vanity plays a major barrier to acknowledging our hearing is not what it used to be and asking for help. The alternatives are not sexy. Hearing aids have improved, but still are not a badge of youth. Successful aging is understanding the limitations and overcoming them. Aging is a privilege, showing that we have surmounted the barriers that life throws at us. Modern hearing aids have come a long way and new technology with invisible in the canal aids can take care of any vanity issues.

If you have any questions about hearing loss or hearing aids contact Hidden Hearing.

The post Why allow hearing loss to lead to isolation? appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

With winter approaching, I’m worried about my 83-year-old mother.  She still enjoys an active lifestyle.  How can I help prepare her for the change in seasons so that she remains healthy all winter?

The first thing you should do is to make sure all of your mum’s doctor’s visits are up to date.  Find out if your mother could benefit from a flu shot by contacting her GP.  If your mother’s doctor recommends any special winter-weather regimen – like variations in diet or vitamins – remind your mother that it’s time to start observing those again.

As soon as the weather cools down, talk with your mother about the need to dress properly.  Several layers of loose-fitting clothing can help insulate the body by trapping warm, dry air inside.  Loosely woven cotton and wool clothes best trap air and resist dampness.

The head and neck are among the most vulnerable parts of the body when the weather cools down.  They lose heat faster than anywhere else.  Cheeks, ears and nose are the most prone to frostbite.  That’s why your mother should always be wearing a hat and scarf to protect her.

If the weather gets rainy or snowy where your mother lives, make sure that any outdoor repairs have been made.  Loose railings and cracked paths should be repaired well in advance of inclement weather.  Check inside too. Are there any draughty windows or doors that need to be repaired. If her house is large, suggest she closes off some rooms during the winter months to save on heating. Lock the windows, draw the curtains and check the ventilation grille is clear before putting a draught excluder at the door and closing it up until the warmer weather returns.

Ice is a big danger so make sure you, or someone else, is on stand-by to automatically pop over to your mum’s house if there is a frosty night. Get them to check the steps and/or path outside her door and if necessary salt the path at night to prevent ice build up. If she has steps outside consider adding a safety handrail.

Eating properly is important too. It can be all too easy to start relying on convenience foods, particularly if the weather outside doesn’t make you want to go out. So make sure your mum has plenty of healthy staples in her cupboards. Soup is ideal and easy to prepare as well as being warming. If your mum isn’t up to cooking for herself you could leave a flask of hot soup available to get her through the day or check if a local Meals-on-Wheels service is available in her area. Encourage her to take regular hot drinks too to keep her hydration and temperature levels up.

It may be time for your mother to have a little extra help to ensure her safety, especially in the winter.  Home helpers and companions can assist your mum with errands and shopping when the weather is bad and she doesn’t want to get out.  They can become trusted friends as well as assistants for seniors like your mum.  It’ll also give you peace of mind to know there’s someone keeping a regular eye on her when you can’t be there.

The post How can I prepare my mother for winter? appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.