HomeTimesThe Newsletter for “Those Who Care” from America’s Choice in Homecare.

December 2017

Seven Tips for Winter SurvivalWinter can be tough. The wind is howling. The snow is blowing. It’s too cold to go outside. You miss those warm summer breezes. How do you plan to survive until spring? At Visiting Angels, we know that getting through the winter chill can be hard. They don’t call it SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) for nothing. We thought we’d put together some winter survival tips to help you power through and live large until the daffodils and tulips start to come up. Feel warm, be warm.

Start by dressing for the weather. Seniors are at risk for hypothermia, so be sure to stay warm. Dress in layers and when you head outside cover all exposed skin. If you are warm and cozy, maybe that blowing snow will make you feel like you are looking at a snow globe.Check the car. Before winter gets to severe, be sure to check the car. Have a trusted mechanic check the oil, battery, tires, and windshield wipers. A quick winter check can help you feel more secure on the road. If you are worried about driving in the winter, ask a friend or family member to help. If you need regular assistance, Visiting Angels’ senior home care services can provide the additional support you need to get to appointments or run errands safely. Be prepared. Snow storms bring power outages. Make sure you are prepared with flashlights, new batteries, warm blankets, and canned goods. Fight the winter blues. Winter can be an isolating time for seniors. If you don’t have regularly scheduled activities to keep you busy, consider companion care services from Visiting Angels. Our elder care providers can stop in regularly to help you run errands, prepare meals, help with the housekeeping, play games, or just have a friendly conversation. Friendly companionship makes the day fly by.Eat healthy. It can be hard to eat healthy during the winter when fresh fruits and vegetables are harder to come by. Try to eat a variety of foods to ensure you are getting all the nutritional benefits you require.Home heating safety. Heating your home is essential; be sure you do it safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If you use a fireplace, have your chimney and flues checked. Have your furnace checked yearly. Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you use a kerosene stove, open a window slightly to dissipate fumes. Use space heaters with caution and always at least 3 feet away from curtains, bedding or furniture that might burn.Stay active. One of the best ways to avoid the winter blues is to stay active. You can exercise by walking around your apartment building, at the local mall, health club, or, if the weather permits, outside. If you are worried about not being able to get out and about this winter, call Visiting Angels today for home care services. Our home care services can help you live safely and independently throughout the winter.

® Registered trademark of Living Assistance Services. Each Visiting Angels office is independently owned and operated.

**Not all services available in every state. Check with your local agency. †Information provided by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA) ² Information provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine

America’s Choice in Homecare

• Up to 24-Hour Care

• Meal Preparation

• Light Housekeeping

• Personal Hygiene Assistance

• Errands, Shopping

• Rewarding Companionship

• Respite for Family Caregiving

• Day/Night, Live-In or Live-Out Care** Prepare for Colder Days Ahead

Winter Weather Safety for Seniors

Winter Storms and Extreme Cold†

1) Before Storms & Extreme Cold• Before winter approaches, add the following

supplies to your emergency kit:• Rock salt or more environmentally safe

products to melt ice on walkways. • Sand to improve traction.• Snow shovels and other snow removal

equipment.• Sufficient heating fuel. You may become

isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off.

• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

• Make a family communications plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know what to do in case of an emergency.

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).

• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supply kit in your vehicle.

• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather.

2) Winterize Your Home• Extend the life of your fuel supply; insulate

your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.

• Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.

• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.

• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.

• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

• Hire a contractor to check the structural integrity of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

800.365.4189www.visitingangels.com

937 Haverford Road, Suite 200

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Contact your local Visiting Angels agency to obtain your copy of “Winter Weather Safety for Seniors” guide.

HomeTimesThe Newsletter for “Those Who Care” from America’s Choice in Homecare.

December 2017

Eat Healthy. Eating healthy can help you avoid illness. While it can be more difficult to eat healthy in the winter when fresh fruits and vegetables are harder to come by, eating a variety of foods can help ensure you get the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.

Surviving WinterElderly companion care services are a life line for many seniors in the winter months and throughout the year. These services provide the support many seniors need to live active, independent lives.” Preparing for and having a plan to get through the winter months is essential if you get the winter blues.

Stay Active. Exercise and activity are two of the best ways to fight the winter blues. While exercising is more difficult when sidewalks are snow covered, you can still walk around your house, apartment building, at the mall, or health club. Any activity that keeps your body moving will help you feel better.

Use Caution. Space heaters should always be placed more than 3 feet from any item that can burn. All heaters must be Underwriters Listed (UL) or Factory Mutual approved for their intended use. Heaters must have a thermostat to automatically shut down the unit when the desired temperature is achieved. Heaters must have a tip over automatic shut down feature.

Stay Warm. Keep your thermostat set to at least 68 degrees to ensure you are warm enough. Dress in layers. When you head out, be sure to cover any exposed skin and use a scarf to protect your lungs. You lose more body heat on a windy day than a calm day. Homes or apartments that are not heated enough, even with a temperature of 60° F to 65° F, can lead to illness.

Proper Home Heating. Be careful when heating your home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Have your fireplace chimney and flue checked if you plan to start fires to stay warm. Open a window slightly to provide air circulation if you use a kerosene stove. Use space heaters with caution as they can be a fire hazard.

Safety First. If you drive during the winter, have the battery, tires, oil and windshield wipers checked before the weather gets too bad. If you don’t like driving in the winter, ask a friend or family member for help. In home care agencies, like Visiting Angels, can provide home aids who can drive you to errands and appointments as needed.

Stay Engaged. If you have trouble getting out during the winter months, consider hiring a senior home care provider to help you. Senior home care providers can help prepare meals, run errands or simply provide companionship throughout the day.

Try these tips for getting through winter with a smile.

HomeTimesThe Newsletter for “Those Who Care” from America’s Choice in Homecare.

December 2017

Cornish hen with Cherry sauCe MushrooM Fennel Quinoa stuFFing

Serves: 4 servingsIngredients: 1 teaspoon sea salt1 teaspoon ground black pepper1/2 teaspoon dried thyme1/2 teaspoon garlic powder1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary1/8 teaspoon paprika5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted2 Cornish game hens

1/2 cup white wine1 (15 ounce) can tart cherries, drained1 1/2 cups red wine1/4 cup pulp-free orange juice1 tablespoon packed brown sugar2 tablespoons unsalted butter1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed

Serves: 7 Servings 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth (vegetarians use veggie broth)1 tbsp olive oil1 small onion, diced3/4 cup fennel, diced1/2 cup celery, diced1/2 cup carrots, diced8 oz sliced fresh mushroomssalt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

InstructionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).Combine sea salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, rosemary, and paprika in a bowl. Place hens on a baking sheet and evenly brush with 5 tablespoons butter. Rub hens with spice mixture.Bake hens in preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 1 1/2 hours, basting every 1/2 hour with white wine. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C).Mix cherries, red wine, orange juice, and brown sugar in a saucepan; bring to a boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in 2 tablespoons butter, and cook until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle flour into the sauce; whisk until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Drizzle cherry sauce over cooked hens.Nutritional InformationServing Size: 1 Serving • Calories: 646 • Fat: 41 • Carbs: 19 g • Fiber: 1.5 g • Protein: 27.2 g • Sodium: 531 mg • Sugars: 13.5 ghttp://allrecipes.com/recipe/223555/cornish-hen-with-tart-cherry-sauce/

Instructions Cook rinsed quinoa in broth according to package directions.While the quinoa is cooking, in a large heavy sauté pan add olive oil to the pan, then the onion, sauté one minute. Add the fennel, celery, and carrots, salt and pepper to taste; cook about 12-15 minutes over medium heat, until vegetables are soft.Add the mushrooms to the pan, more salt and pepper if needed and cook, stirring 5 minutes, then cook covered for 2 minutes, or until the mushrooms have released their juice and are cooked through. Add the cooked quinoa to the pan and mix well.Makes 5 1/4 cupsNutritional InformationServing Size: 3/4 cup • Calories: 136 • Carbs: 21 g • Fiber: 3 g • Protein: 5 g • Sodium: 113 mg • Sugars: 1.5 ghttp://www.skinnytaste.com/this-savory-quinoa-stuffing-is/

HomeTimesThe Newsletter for “Those Who Care” from America’s Choice in Homecare.

December 2017

™ Registered trademark of Living Assistance Services, Inc. Each Visiting Angels office is independently owned and operated.

America’s Choice In Homecare®Since 1998, Visiting Angels has been providing adults and seniors with

the needed assistance to continue living at home. At our nationally known, locally owned agency, it is our mission to maintain the

independence and familiar surroundings for those in need.

We offer help with personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, shopping, companionship, respite care for families, live-in care and assistance with daily living activities. Call us today for a free,

no obligation consultation! We care every day, in every way!