Winter Care Tips for Older People

The UK has approximately 10,000 excess winter deaths each year — deaths that occur in winter beyond what would be expected at other times of year. The majority are in people over 75. Cold weather raises the risk of hypothermia, stroke, heart attack, respiratory infection, falls on ice, and severe isolation. Most of these risks are addressable.

Heating: The 18°C Rule

The World Health Organisation recommends a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C for healthy older people — and higher for those with health conditions. Sustained exposure to indoor temperatures below 16°C significantly increases the risk of respiratory illness and cardiovascular events, and below 12°C substantially increases the risk of hypothermia.

Older people lose body heat faster than younger adults and feel cold more slowly — meaning the person may not notice that their home is dangerously cold. Key actions:

• Ensure heating is set to come on automatically — not reliant on the person remembering to turn it on
• Heat the main rooms used (living room, bedroom) rather than trying to heat the whole house to save money
• Check that the boiler has been serviced (annual service recommended before winter) and that thermostats are working
• A simple thermometer in the main room is cheap and allows you to check the temperature remotely via a smart plug/sensor
• Ensure the person has adequate warm clothing and bedding — heated mattress pads and electric blankets can supplement heating in the bedroom (low-heat electric blankets are safe when properly maintained; check regularly for damage)

Cold Weather Payments and Energy Support

If your relative is on a qualifying benefit (Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA or ESA, Universal Credit with certain elements), they may be entitled to:

• Cold Weather Payment: £25 for each 7-day period when the average temperature in the area is recorded as — or forecast to be — 0°C or below. Paid automatically — you do not need to claim.
• Winter Fuel Payment: Currently for people born before 23 September 1958 who receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits. Rules have changed in recent years — check current eligibility on gov.uk.
• Warm Home Discount: A £150 discount on electricity bills for eligible low-income households. Not automatic — check with your energy supplier.

If energy costs are a barrier to adequate heating, Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133) can advise on benefits entitlements and energy debt support.

Hypothermia: Recognising the Signs

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature falls below 35°C. In older people, it can develop indoors — particularly in poorly heated homes during cold snaps. Signs to watch for:

• Skin that is pale, cold, or grey — particularly the face, hands and feet
• Shivering (but note: very elderly people may not shiver even when hypothermic)
• Confusion, slurred speech, or unusual drowsiness
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Stumbling or difficulty walking

If you suspect hypothermia: call 999 immediately. While waiting, move the person to a warm room, replace wet clothing with dry warm clothing, and wrap in blankets — but do not apply direct heat (no hot water bottles directly on skin, no warm baths). Do not give alcohol.

Falls Risk in Winter

Outdoor falls on ice and wet leaves are common in winter, but they are not the only concern. Indoor falls also increase in winter — in part because people spend more time indoors in poorly lit conditions, wearing indoor footwear, sometimes trying to manage without venturing to shops or services.

Specific winter precautions:

• Ensure all rooms are adequately lit — short days mean darkness earlier in the afternoon when the person is still active
• Ice grips for shoes are available cheaply and make a significant difference for people who do go out — Age UK and outdoor shops stock them
• Encourage the person to wait for conditions to improve before going out — having adequate food and medication at home for a few days removes the pressure to go out in dangerous conditions
• If going out is necessary, have someone with them or ensure a neighbour or carer knows

Flu and Respiratory Illness

Influenza is significantly more dangerous for older people and those with chronic conditions. The annual flu vaccine is free on the NHS for everyone over 65, people with chronic conditions, and unpaid carers. It should be offered every autumn — if your relative has not had it, contact the GP surgery.

The COVID-19 booster programme continues for eligible groups — check current guidance at the time of each autumn campaign. For those who are immunocompromised or over 75, keeping up to date with recommended vaccinations provides meaningful protection.

During cold and flu season, general precautions apply: adequate ventilation when visitors are present, handwashing, and prompt medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop in someone already frail — what presents as a mild cold in a younger adult can become a serious chest infection in an older person with limited respiratory reserve.

Winter Isolation

Winter amplifies the isolation many older people experience year-round. Short days, bad weather, and the inability to get out can mean weeks with minimal human contact. The impact on mental health is real and rapid.

Practical steps families can take:

• Establish a regular daily or every-other-day check-in call — brief, but predictable
• If the person is not digitally confident, ensure they have a simple phone (not a smartphone) that they know how to use and that is reliably charged
• Consider whether a personal alarm or telecare device is appropriate — particularly for someone living alone who could fall and be unable to summon help
• Arrange for regular visits to continue through winter — not just at Christmas
• Speak to the Silver Line (0800 470 8090) about befriending support through the darker months

Creating a Winter Contingency Plan

Before the cold weather arrives, it is worth spending 20 minutes thinking through the following:

If you are supporting a relative from a distance, sharing this checklist with a local neighbour, friend, or home carer ensures someone nearby can act if needed.

If You Cannot Be There

Professional home care provides a regular, reliable presence during winter — not just practical support, but someone who will notice if the house is cold, the person appears unwell, or something is not right. Ekvarta can arrange regular care visits through the winter months, with carers trained to notice and report welfare concerns.