Winter is a magical time of year - the lights, the gatherings, the feeling of community. But for many older or vulnerable people, winter also brings real risks. I’ve seen this throughout my career in care: cold homes, damp living spaces, unsafe heating, and small hazards that quickly become big problems. And during the festive season, when people are busy or services close for bank holidays, these risks can increase if we’re not prepared.

One thing I often say to my team is:
“A safe home is a warm home, and a warm home is a healthy home.”
And that becomes even more important in December and January.

Why Winter Home Safety Matters More Than People Realise

Cold homes and unsafe conditions don’t just cause discomfort - they affect health, mobility, and emotional wellbeing. This is especially true for older people, those with disabilities, or anyone with long-term health conditions.

Here’s why home safety is so important in winter:

1. Cold temperatures increase health risks

Cold homes can worsen:

• arthritis and joint pain

• respiratory conditions such as COPD

• heart conditions

• circulation issues

• dementia symptoms

2. Higher risk of falls and accidents

Icy surfaces, slippery floors, clutter, dim lighting and rugs become more dangerous during winter - especially when mobility declines.

3. Heating becomes costly and confusing

Many older adults are afraid of “wasting money”, so they underheat their homes, often to unsafe levels.

4. Reduced daylight increases isolation and hazards

Darkness affects mood, visibility, and the ability to manage everyday tasks.

5. Vulnerable people often hide their struggles

I see this often: people quietly suffering because they don’t want to “be a burden”.

This is why winter safety is not optional - it’s essential.

And it’s something we can improve with a combination of common sense, compassion, and small practical steps.

1. Keep Living Areas Warm - Even If the Whole House Isn’t

Let’s be realistic - not everyone can afford to heat every room.
But one warm room can prevent cold-related illnesses.

Ideal temperatures:

• Living area: 20–21°C

• Bedroom: 18°C

• Home minimum: Never below 16°C

If cost is an issue, encourage heating the main room where the individual spends most time. Small changes like closing internal doors help keep heat in and costs down.

Practical ideas:

• Use draught excluders under doors.

• Close curtains at dusk to keep heat in.

• Place a blanket or throw over laps during the day.

• Move favourite chairs away from draughty windows.

These simple things can make a home feel instantly warmer.

2. Check the Heating System Before Christmas

Heating breakdowns spike during winter - and many happen right around the festive bank holidays when engineers are harder to book.

Before December every year:

• Test the boiler

• Bleed radiators

• Check thermostat controls

• Ensure timers work

• Replace batteries in portable heaters

• Review energy tariffs or available support schemes

Even a 10-minute check now can prevent days of discomfort later.

For vulnerable clients who struggle with technology or instructions, this is where carers, neighbours and family members can make a meaningful difference.

3. Reduce Draughts and Heat Loss

Draughts cause a huge amount of heat loss in older properties - but they’re also one of the easiest things to fix.

Simple draught-proofing ideas:

• Rubber seal strips around windows

• Draught excluders at the bottom of doors

• Thick curtains to retain heat

• Rugs on cold floors

• Fitting a letterbox brush

• Closing unused rooms

These are cheap solutions that make a big impact, and most don’t require professional installation.

4. Ensure Good Lighting Throughout the Home

Short winter days make moving around the house riskier. Many falls happen simply because someone couldn’t see properly.

Lighting essentials:

• Bright bulbs in hallways

• Plug-in nightlights for bathrooms

• Motion-sensor lights for stairways

• Lamps positioned near favourite seats

• Clear paths free from clutter

Good lighting reduces falls, confusion (important for dementia), and emotional distress during dark evenings.

5. Prevent Slips and Falls - Inside and Outside

When mobility is limited, winter hazards increase dramatically.

Inside the home:

• Remove loose rugs

• Wipe up spills immediately

• Use non-slip mats in bathrooms

• Add grab rails near toilets and showers

• Keep common walkways clutter-free

Outside the home:

• Grit icy steps or pathways

• Ensure outdoor lighting works

• Avoid unnecessary outdoor tasks

• Keep porches clear of parcels or decorations

In my years of care work and management, the majority of winter accidents I’ve seen could have been prevented with simple adjustments like these.

6. Store Essential Items Within Easy Reach

Winter is not the time for older adults to climb step stools, stretch for cupboards, or reach behind furniture.

Move essentials to accessible areas:

• medication

• kettles

• mugs and plates

• warm clothing

• slippers

• walking aids

• blankets

This avoids accidents, reduces strain, and promotes independence.

7. Ensure Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms Are Working

Winter brings increased use of heating, cooking and electrical appliances - and therefore a higher risk of fire or carbon monoxide exposure.

Carers and families should:

• Test alarms monthly

• Replace batteries regularly

• Check chimneys or flues if applicable

• Keep heaters away from curtains or furniture

• Never use gas cookers as heaters

These life-saving checks only take a couple of minutes.

8. Keep a Winter Safety Kit at Home

A small “winter kit” can be invaluable, especially for people living alone.

Include:

• torch and batteries

• blanket

• hand warmers

• emergency phone numbers

• medication list

• spare keys

• non-perishable food

• bottled water

• fully charged power bank

This kit helps maintain independence and peace of mind.

9. Prepare for Power Cuts

Winter storms can cause temporary outages.

Preparation tips:

• Have a torch in each main room

• Keep mobile phones charged

• Avoid candles unless supervised

• Use battery-powered lights

• Know how to contact your energy network in emergencies

Being prepared reduces panic and keeps vulnerable individuals calm and safe.

10. Create a Warm Daily Routine

Sometimes it’s not just the temperature of the home - it’s the routines that keep someone warm and comfortable.

Examples:

• Encourage wearing layers rather than one thick garment

• Ensure they eat warm meals regularly

• Offer warm drinks throughout the day

• Keep blankets handy in living areas

• Schedule short walks indoors to encourage circulation

I always remind my carers that warmth isn’t just a physical need - it’s emotional too. A warm home paired with warm interaction can lift someone’s entire mood.

11. Support With Food, Shopping and Medication

Winter often makes it harder for older people to shop or cook.

Simple support can prevent:

• malnutrition

• dehydration

• missed medications

• illness due to cold foods or insufficient meals

Carers and families should help ensure:

• cupboards are stocked

• meals are warm

• medication is organised

• prescriptions are collected

• festive treats do not replace proper meals

This is one of the reasons Maucare places such importance on regular checks, companionship, and meal preparation during the winter months.

12. Emotional Warmth Is Just as Important as Physical Warmth

I have seen clients’ health improve simply because they felt cared for and emotionally supported.
Loneliness can be as harmful as the cold - in fact, it significantly affects physical resilience, appetite, sleep and overall wellbeing.

Something as simple as:

• a conversation

• a warm smile

• a cup of tea together

• sitting and listening

• reading out Christmas cards
  can transform a person’s mood.

As I learned early in my career - when people feel valued, they feel stronger.

This is why Maucare’s approach is not just about tasks - it’s about genuine human connection.

How Maucare Helps Keep Clients Warm and Safe During the Festive Season

At Maucare, winter is treated as a “high-priority safety season”.
Our carers are trained to recognise risks early and act quickly.
We focus on:

• daily warmth and wellbeing checks

• ensuring homes are safely heated

• emotional support and companionship

• meal preparation with warm, nutritious food

• mobility support and fall prevention

• supporting with shopping and medications

• communication with family members when changes arise

Our ethos, For you, with you, means we support the entire family - not just the person receiving care.

And during Christmas, when many families are stretched, we become an extra layer of safety and reassurance.

Final Thoughts: Winter Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

Keeping homes warm and safe during the festive season doesn’t fall on one person alone. It’s something communities, families, carers and neighbours can work together to achieve.

Whether it’s sealing a draught, adjusting a heater, dropping off some warm food, or simply checking in - every action counts.

And for anyone who needs extra support, Maucare is here to help - with kindness, compassion, and the highest standards of care.

Because winter should be warm, safe and comforting for everyone.

For you, with you - always.