Blog: Helping Older Relatives & Friends Prepare for Winter

As the nights draw in and the weather turns colder, many of us start thinking about how to keep cosy at home. But for our older relatives, winter can be a tougher time of year. Chilly houses, slippery pavements, and even the worry of higher bills can make the season feel more challenging than cheerful.

The good news? With a little forward planning (and some family teamwork), we can make winter safer, warmer, and more enjoyable for the older people we love. Here are some simple ways you can help.

Check their home is winter-ready

Pop round and give their house a quick winter “MOT”:

• Heating: Make sure their boiler has been serviced and radiators are working properly.

• Draughts: Fit draught excluders or heavy curtains to keep the warmth in. Sometimes the smallest gaps make the biggest difference!

• Safety: Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. It only takes a minute and could save a life.

Make sure they have what they need at home

Encourage your relative to stock up before the weather turns nasty:

• A cupboard of tins, long-life milk and dried food means they don’t have to venture out on icy days.

• A basket with blankets, a torch, and a fully charged mobile phone can be a comfort if the power goes off.

• A bag of grit or salt for their front step can stop slips and falls.

Why not offer to help with a “winter shop” to get these sorted together?

Encourage warmth indoors and out

• Remind them that wearing layers instead of one thick jumper is a cosier and healthier way to keep warm.

• Check they’ve got sturdy, non-slip shoes or boots for when they need to go out.

• A reminder to keep the thermostat at a safe temperature (around 21°C in living spaces) can make a big difference.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Support their health

• Make sure they’re booked in for their flu and COVID-19 jabs.

• Drop off some healthy, warming meals or cook together – hearty soups, casseroles and stews are perfect.

• Encourage gentle movement indoors, even if it’s just walking up and down the hallway to keep circulation going.

Keep them connected

Winter can sometimes feel isolating, especially when it’s too cold or icy to get out. That’s where family and friends really matter.

• Give them a quick call or pop by for a cuppa.

• Arrange a family rota so someone checks in regularly.

• Encourage them to keep in touch with friends – even a short chat can lift the spirits.

Help with money worries

Heating costs are a real concern. Sit down together and check if they qualify for:

• Winter Fuel Payment

• Cold Weather Payments

• Warm Home Discount

These schemes are there to help, but many people miss out simply because they don’t realise they’re eligible.

Extra Help

Winter doesn’t have to be a struggle for our older relatives. With a bit of extra support from family – whether it’s checking the boiler, cooking a batch of soup, or just keeping in touch – we can help them feel warm, safe, and cared for all season long.

It’s also a good time to consider whether your family might need a little extra support. Bluebird Care provides Home Care, Night Care, Live-in Care and other forms of care in Halifax and Calderdale. Care can begin with simple home support with chores and shopping visits. All our care is designed to be tailored to the client’s needs and to change as those needs change. Visit our website for a look at our services, plus you can book a free consultation to explore your needs. Visit Bluebird Care’s Website –