When winter weather hits home: supporting Yorkshire's older loved ones through colder months
Over the past few weeks, winter has made itself felt across Yorkshire. Sudden cold snaps, icy mornings and disrupted routines have been a reminder of how quickly conditions can change at this time of year – and how challenging that can be for older people.
For many families, these moments prompt a quiet check-in. You might have found yourself worrying whether your mum feels confident heading out when the pavements are slippery, or whether your dad is keeping warm enough at home during colder days. For others, it’s only after the Christmas visits end and normal routines resume that those concerns really settle in.
With January well underway and more wintery weather likely, small observations can start to feel harder to ignore – and that’s often when families begin to think more seriously about how best to support older loved ones through the colder months.
It’s these experiences that have shaped Visiting Angels’ Winter Home Safety Made Simple guide – a practical, easy-to-follow resource designed to help families support older loved ones at home this winter.
Why winter makes everyday life harder
For many older people, winter brings added challenges. Colder temperatures, darker days and unpredictable weather can increase the risk of accidents, illness and isolation. In fact, around a third of people aged 65 and over, and around half of people aged 80 and over, fall at least once a year*. Those risks can increase in winter, when poor lighting, wet floors and icy paths all come into play.
As one of our clients at Visiting Angels in Sheffield puts it, “I need care to access my local community for shopping, healthcare appointments and collecting my medication. I feel safer going out with a carer when it’s dark in the winter months, and carers using their cars support me when the weather isn’t good.”
Their experience reflects a wider reality: winter doesn’t create care needs, but it can intensify them.
Reducing slips and falls at home
Falls are one of the biggest winter worries, but many risks can be reduced with small changes. Clear walkways, well-lit rooms and secure handrails can help older people move around their homes with greater confidence.
Loose rugs, trailing wires and clutter are easy to overlook but can quickly become trip hazards. Adding night lights in hallways or bathrooms and keeping a torch by the bed can also help, particularly during long winter nights.
Outside the home, icy steps and pavements can feel daunting. Gritting paths where possible and encouraging sturdy footwear with good grip can make outings safer and less stressful.
Staying warm and staying well
A cold home doesn’t just feel uncomfortable; it can also be harmful. Low indoor temperatures increase the risk of illness and can worsen existing health conditions.
Simple steps such as closing curtains in the evening, using draught excluders and layering clothing can help retain warmth. It’s also worth checking that heating systems are working properly and have been serviced, particularly if your loved one is reluctant to turn the heating on due to cost concerns. There may be support available to help with winter energy bills, which is worth exploring.
Keeping on top of hidden winter risks
Winter brings a few extra safety considerations. With heating used more often, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked regularly. Portable heaters need plenty of space around them, and clothes should never be dried directly on heaters.
Bathrooms can also become colder and more slippery during winter. Non-slip mats, grab rails and keeping the room warm can all make daily routines safer and more comfortable.
Planning ahead makes life easier
Bad weather can make it harder to get out for shopping, prescriptions or appointments. Making sure cupboards are stocked with essentials and prescriptions are ordered in advance can help avoid unnecessary trips in icy conditions.
If travel becomes difficult, arranging transport support or home delivery services can provide peace of mind. It’s also a good idea to have emergency contact numbers written down and kept somewhere easy to find.
When it might be time for extra support
For many families, January is when concern turns into action. If you noticed over Christmas that your loved one was struggling more than before – whether with mobility, keeping warm, managing daily tasks or coping alone – it may be time to think about additional support.
In-home care doesn’t mean losing independence. Support can be tailored to what’s needed, from help around the house and accompaniment to appointments, to companionship and personal care. Often, simply knowing that someone will check in regularly can make winter feel far less daunting.
As winter weather continues to affect day-to-day life, taking time now to think ahead can make the months to come feel more manageable. Visiting Angels provides flexible, person-centred in-home care, helping older people stay safe, comfortable and independent in their own homes. Families can find out more and access winter safety advice at www.visiting-angels.co.uk
* National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2025: Falls: assessment and prevention in older people and in people 50 and over at higher risk