Senior safety in winter: How to care for elderly relatives during winter days

Winter can have a significant impact on older adults, both physically and emotionally. Colder temperatures and icy, slippery conditions increase the risk of falls and make it harder to move around safely. Snow and winter storms can disrupt routines, which are often very important for elderly people. In addition, rough weather conditions can reduce access to medical care or social services. Even simple tasks – like walking to the mailbox, shopping for groceries, or taking out the trash – can become challenging, prompting many seniors to remain indoors for longer periods.

Beyond these practical challenges, the season also affects emotional well-being. Shorter, darker days can contribute to feelings of sadness, loneliness, or seasonal depression, especially for older adults who live alone or have limited social contact. Reduced sunlight exposure may impact mood and energy levels, while staying indoors more often can heighten isolation.

All these winter stressors highlight the need for support, community connection and proactive safety measures to help older adults stay healthy and engaged throughout the season. Read our suggestions on how to show care for the elderly, help them stay safe, connected, and engaged during the colder months.

1.     Practical help with daily tasks

When considering ways of caring for an elderly relative, practical support is often their most immediate need. Simple tasks, such as changing a lightbulb or replacing batteries in a smoke detector, can pose a significant challenge and even a hazard for seniors, while they are minor efforts for you. Depending on your relative's health condition, you could also help them with house cleaning and window washing.

Everyday tasks like grocery shopping can also be difficult for seniors, especially during the winter months. Taking care of their shopping and running other small errands for them can provide major relief and assistance. If you are unable to personally bring them groceries regularly, consider placing an order and arranging for a courier to deliver it. Just ensure the courier comes from a reliable company and delivers the items directly to their doorstep.

If the elderly person in question lives in a house, they likely face more work than those living in apartments. Offer them assistance with tasks around the house and garden, such as clearing snow, carrying heavy items, raking leaves, mowing the lawn, or simple household repairs.

2. Minimizing hazards around the house

As people age, they may not immediately realize all the adjustments needed to make their homes safer. You may need to be the one to suggest improvements to senior safety in winter and enhance the security of their home and surroundings. For example:

• Help pour sand or salt on outdoor steps or slippery paths around their house.
• Remove any potential falling hazards indoors, like loose rags or unstable chairs.
• Place anti-slip mats inside their bath or shower.
• Check whether rooms are comfortably heated, ensure heaters are used safely, and improve lighting.
• Encourage warm and comfortable clothing: gently remind them to dress in layers, choose soft materials, and protect hands and feet from the cold.
• Suggest (or provide) stable footwear. Remind them to take smaller steps, avoid icy spots, and stick to routes that feel safe and familiar. Walk with them when you can.

3. Supporting health and medication routines

Whenever an elderly relative needs a doctor visit, consider accompanying them to help with logistics and obtaining the necessary procedures or medicines. Besides doctor visits, you can help them set up their weekly pill boxes as a reminder to take their medicine.

Not all seniors prioritize staying up to date with necessary doctor appointments. Sometimes, you may need to gently encourage and remind them that a checkup is necessary.

Beyond medical support, suggest healthy food and proper hydration. Hydration can be a challenge in winter when people feel less thirsty and may consume more tea and other warm beverages that are not a substitute for water.

4. Spending time together and providing emotional support

During darker days, sadness can creep in, especially if the older person lives alone and occasionally feels lonely. Sometimes, a simple call or visit is all that’s needed for them to feel a little better. Even the busiest among us can send a short message, call in the evenings, or stop by for a quick visit – these small gestures are a sign of caring for the elderly and make them feel less alone.

Whenever you can, accompany them on short walks to ensure your cherished senior’s safety in winter. Movement and staying active are extremely important, but exercise can also become dangerous in icy conditions. If possible, take them out for a museum or theatre visit – this helps seniors feel included in society and up to date with current events.

However, even simply spending a little more time together can be a major boost of positivity for an older person. Share a meal, chat over a cup of tea or coffee, or perhaps play a board game. Whenever you hold a family celebration, be sure to invite them to celebrate together.

5. Setting up mutual check-ins

Regular check-ins are not only a nice way to stay connected but can also be a crucial factor in keeping a cherished senior safe and ensuring timely help in critical situations. For example, agree on having a short call or message every evening confirming everything is alright.

Alternatively, you could ask your older relative to send a brief message before heading outside or share their route on slippery days. This is a simple way of caring for the elderly in winter and shows that you are truly their biggest supporter. If your senior relative uses a smartphone, suggest that they share their location with you so you can make sure they arrive home safely.

Technology can be extremely helpful in enhancing senior safety in winter and providing peace of mind. Devices like smartwatches with fall alerts or personal medical alert systems (PERS) can automatically detect a hard fall and contact emergency services or family contacts, often using GPS tracking to pinpoint the location. Similarly, smartphone check-in apps and location-sharing features allow both your relative and you to quickly confirm that everything is alright.

Supporting your elderly relative is often about combining practical help with emotional connection. From clearing snow and running errands to ensuring their home is safe and providing company – these gestures don’t ask much of your time, but make a significant difference.

Don’t wait until they ask for help, because some of them may feel reluctant to do it. Instead, proactively offer assistance with tasks, lend a hand with shopping or other chores, and make sure their home and environment are as safe as possible.

Finally, simply staying connected is maybe the most effective way to show your care. For an extra layer of reassurance and to ensure they have financial support when they need it most, consider the peace of mind offered by accident insurance for your loved one.