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10 Random acts of kindness to help out this winter
Sadly, winter can be a lonely and isolating time for many people, but particularly older people who may be worried to go out because of the risks of ice and trips or slips.
So, what better way to feel good this holiday season, than by helping others. Our 10 random acts of winter kindness are bound to bring a smile to your face, as well as a smile to those you are helping.
- Pop a bag of salt by the door.
Ice can be a particular hazard for older residents, with slips and trips a real concern. So why not leave a bag of salt by their door and help by salting their drive or path the night before a frost is forecast, so that they can get out of the house in safety. You could even shovel snow from the drive or path at the same time as your own.
- Cook an extra portion.
Why not batch cook a stew or a curry and box some up for an elderly neighbour? That way they will have a warm meal ready to go in the microwave. Or why not invite them over for dinner? Loneliness and social isolation have been shown to pay a huge role in the wellbeing and quality of life for everyone, so a dinner invitation could give an elderly neighbour a boost.
- Be a good neighbour.
Keep an eye on your neighbours. Have you seen that their mail is piling up, or their milk delivery has been left? Calling round to check on them can be a vital lifeline – especially for those older people living on their own.
- Offer to do the shopping.
Perhaps your neighbours can’t get out as much as they would like, in which case you could offer to get their shopping in, or maybe they would appreciate a lift to the shops and someone to go shopping with.
- Defrost their car.
We all know the feeling of dread when we look out and realise our commute will be ten minutes longer as we need to scrape the car clear of ice. So why not, if you have the time, scrape your neighbour’s car clear as well?
- Donate food to a homeless shelter or refuge.
Many charities, like refuges for women and food banks, have donation stations in local supermarkets. An extra tin or two, toiletries and little luxuries like sweets, can really help out and give someone in need a lift.
- Write an extra Christmas card.
We all love receiving post, why not drop a Christmas card through the door to one of your neighbours. In it, you could explain that you could help them with shopping if they need. It’s a nice way to say hello and offer assistance.
- Donate blood.
Winter is an important time for blood donations, which are hugely important to help the NHS. So, find a donation day near you and you could help save a life!
- Hold the door open for someone.
This is a very simple one but is so often forgotten about. Holding open the door for the next person can make such a big difference to their morale. With this simple act of kindness you can easily brighten someone’s day.
- Buy an extra gift
Many families worry about buying their children presents at Christmas time. Lots of local media outlets run Christmas toy collections at this time of year for people in need, who would otherwise not have anything to look open at Christmas.
At GoodOaks Homecare, we know the importance of having someone to talk to and help around the home to make life easier. We help people to lead independent and happy lives in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible. We offer both live-in and visiting care. This can be simply popping by one day a week for a cup of tea and a chat to full time care for those coming out of hospital or recuperating after an illness. For more information about how we can help, please contact us.
