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NH Nursing Communities are Prepped for Winter

Date: January 7, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
NH Nursing Communities are Prepped for Winter

If there is something New England is known for, it’s our weather. From beautiful foliage to rainy spring days, we get it all in extremes. Then there is winter. While snow is pretty, it can get dangerous for New Hampshire’s elderly residents. Loss of power and heat, slipping and falling, and possible pipes bursting can be common. Luckily, NH nursing communities are prepped for winter, so those who live there can be at peace.

NH Nursing Communities are Prepped for Winter

How NH Nursing Communities are Prepped for Winter

 

The New Hampshire Health Care Association represents 90 long-term health care facilities in the state. They are intensely focused on being prepared for extreme weather. Brendan Williams, the president of the Association, says that there is no better place than nursing home for a senior in an event of extreme weather.

Every facility that is connected to the Association has many plans in place in case of an emergency. If the power goes out a back up generator will start within minutes.

If the generator fails, a backup generator would be delivered. Each facility has a good partnership with Eversource, which makes them a priority for power restoration. If all that doesn’t work, they have the contingency plan of transferring residents to other homes and hospitals.

For seniors not in nursing homes, New Hampshire offers resources through ServiceLink, which works with local agencies to provide assistance. Seniors or family members can contact a nearby ServiceLink program to make sure they’re covered in an emergency. If you or a loved one are still living in your home, please make use of these resources, and if you think you might need a winter companion contact us!

Read more here.

The Danish Way of Dealing with Winter

Date: January 7, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
5 Steps to Have a Good Day

We all know that winters in New Hampshire are rough and seem to last forever. With the bone-chilling temperatures and never-ending snow, it can be hard not to let yourself get worn down by it all. Maybe we can learn from our friends in Denmark. They participate in hygge, which is the Danish way of dealing with winter.

The Danish Way of Dealing with Winter

The Danish Way of Dealing with Winter

 

Denmark has it a bit rougher than us. The weather is always cold—the hottest it gets is in the low sixties in July— and is overcast most of the time. So obviously they needed to find coping mechanisms to deal with the dreary weather.

That’s where hygge comes in. Hygge can be defined as connection, coziness, fellowship, and optimism. It’s being with loved ones and finding simple pleasures together. Drinking hot chocolate together, reading by a fireplace, getting cozy under a blanket, all fall under the umbrella of hygge.

Hygge is not just about coziness and family. It’s also about communing with nature. It’s about being away from screens, meaning no phones, TV, or computers. It’s about being in the moment and enjoying watching the snowfall.

It can also be about taking that time away from screens to focus inward and try to become at peace when the weather is chaotic.

Here some ways us Granite Staters can hygge:

 

  • Go outside, it’s easy to get into a routine that leaves you isolated, but that can only bring loneliness. Go for a walk, get a coffee, spend time with friends.

 

  • Have relaxing get-togethers with friends, nothing planned, just focus on each other’s company.

 

  • Start groups: Book clubs, mahjong, cooking, knitting, and poker parties are great ways to break routine and see people often.

 

  • Limit alone screen time, but do consider inviting friends for the Super Bowl, the Oscars, sporting events, or any TV series that can create a great discussion.

 

  • Share meals. Cook, bake, and/or order in.

 

  • Create a great atmosphere with warm seasonal lighting and candles.

 

  • Get rid of clutter! Having a more open space can help create a more peaceful mindset.

 

Read more here.