How to Keep Seniors Safe and Healthy During the Winter Months

Keeping clients safe in winter starts with planning ahead for cold, ice, illness, and power outages—especially for older adults who are more vulnerable to weather-related risks.

Keep the Home Warm and Safe

Maintain indoor temperature at least around 68°F to reduce hypothermia risk for older adults.
Check for drafts around windows and doors, use weather stripping or draft blockers, and close off unused rooms to keep living areas warmer.
Use space heaters carefully: keep them away from curtains and bedding, plug them directly into the wall, and never leave them unattended.

Prevent Slips and Falls

Arrange for snow and ice removal on steps, driveways, and walkways, and apply salt or sand to improve traction.
Encourage clients to wear non‑slip, rubber‑soled boots and remove wet shoes at the door to avoid indoor slipping hazards.
Inside the home, secure loose rugs with rug grippers, improve lighting, and add grab bars and handrails where needed.

Support Health and Illness Prevention

Help clients dress in warm layers, including hats, gloves, and warm socks, even indoors if they tend to feel cold.
Promote a balanced diet, hydration, and gentle indoor movement (like short walks or chair exercises) to support circulation and joint health.
Encourage vaccinations (flu, COVID, pneumonia where appropriate) and monitor for early signs of respiratory illness so providers can be contacted promptly.

Prepare for Storms and Power Outages

Build or review an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, water, non‑perishable food, a battery‑powered radio, and basic hygiene items.
Make sure there is an adequate supply of medications and medical supplies for several days, using delivery services when possible in bad weather.
Create a simple written emergency plan with key phone numbers, what to do if power goes out, and when to call for help; post it in a visible place.

Prevent Isolation and Support Mental Health

Shorter days and bad weather can increase loneliness and seasonal depression, so regular caregiver visits and check‑in calls are essential.
Encourage activities clients enjoy—music, puzzles, crafts, journaling—to keep them engaged when they can’t go out safely.
Watch for mood changes, withdrawal, or confusion and report concerns to family or healthcare providers so support can be adjusted.

How Our Caregivers Put This Into Practice

From a homecare agency perspective, winter safety is built into each visit plan:

Caregivers routinely check room temperature, look for fall hazards, and confirm clients are appropriately dressed for the weather before any outing.
They support medication management, meal preparation, and emergency planning, and they serve as “eyes and ears” to catch small problems before they become crises.

This kind of intentional, seasonal planning lets clients stay safely at home through the winter while giving families more peace of mind.