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Date : November 6, 2025

Ensuring Care Clients Stay Safe During Winter

Winter in the UK can be beautiful, but it also brings real risks—especially for older adults, vulnerable individuals, and those receiving care at home.

Colder temperatures, slippery surfaces, unpredictable weather patterns, and increased pressure on health and social care systems mean that staying safe requires thoughtful planning, strong contingency measures, and community support.

Article Contents List

At The Great Care Company, protecting our clients is our highest priority. Each winter, we prepare our teams, our clients, and their families for the challenges the season can bring. This guide outlines practical winter safety tips:

Winter Risks for Older Adults
How People Can Stay Safe This Winter
How Loved Ones Can Support Vulnerable People
How The Great Care Company Ensures Our Clients Stay Safe During Winter
Reaching Out for Advice and Support

Winter Risks for Older Adults

Key Statistics

1.4 million older people struggle to stay warm due to rising energy costs.

2.2 million people aged 50+ live in fuel poverty.

1 in 3 people over 65 experience a fall each year, with risk increasing significantly in icy weather.

How People Can Stay Safe This Winter

Keep Your Home Warm and Energy Efficient

Heat main living areas to at least 18°C.
Close curtains at dusk.
Move furniture away from radiators.
Use draught excluders.
Wear thermal layers.

Prevent Slips and Falls

Grit outdoor paths.
Use non-slip mats.
Install motion-sensitive outdoor lighting.
Keep walkways clutter-free.

Be Prepared for Weather Disruptions

Keep torches, blankets, chargers, and spare batteries.
Store tinned food and bottled water.
Arrange family communication plans.

Support Mental Wellbeing

Encourage social contact.
Consider daylight lamps.
Connect with community winter warm spaces.

Stay on Top of Medications

Maintain at least a one-week buffer of medication.
Order prescriptions early.

Eat Well and Stay Hydrated

Drink warm fluids regularly.
Choose hearty meals: soups, porridge, stews.

How Loved Ones Can Support Vulnerable People

Increase Contact and Welfare Checks

Call or visit more frequently during bad weather or cold snaps.
Arrange a daily check-in routine, even if just by phone or text.
Agree on an emergency communication plan should weather conditions worsen.

Check Home Warmth and Safety

Ensure heating systems, radiators, and thermostats are working properly.
Check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functional.
Look for condensation, damp, or mould, which can worsen health conditions.
Make sure blankets, warm clothing, and hot water bottles are easily accessible.

Support With Supplies and Everyday Essentials

Assist with food shopping, online orders, or arranging supermarket deliveries.
Ensure they have enough medication, including a buffer if weather delays occur.
Encourage stocking up on easy-to-prepare winter meals.
Help set up emergency kits including torches, batteries, and warm layers.

Promote Mobility and Fall Prevention

Check that mobility aids—walkers, frames, wheelchairs—are in good condition.
Ensure outdoor paths are gritted and indoor pathways are free from clutter.
Review footwear to ensure good grip and stability during icy conditions.

Reduce Loneliness and Boost Wellbeing

Arrange regular social contact either in person or via phone/video.
Encourage participation in community groups or local warm spaces.
Provide emotional reassurance, especially for those anxious about winter risks.

How The Great Care Company Ensures Our Clients Stay Safe During Winter

Our winter procedures are carefully designed, tested, and improved each year to ensure that our clients—especially those who are vulnerable or isolated—remain safe, warm, and well-supported.

Carer providing hospital discharge advice and guidance to older couple at home

1. Comprehensive Emergency Care Plans

We refresh our Emergency Care Plans every winter, ensuring all staff understand:

Emergency protocols
How to escalate concerns
Their role during severe weather
How to prioritise vulnerable clients

These plans cover scenarios such as power cuts, heavy snowfall, and home heating failures.

Care team and client going over care plan

2. Full Winter Review of All Client Care Plans

Identifying Vulnerable Clients
We identify clients who may be more at risk during winter due to mobility issues, health needs, isolation, or heating concerns.

Ensuring Contact Information Is Accurate
We ensure all next-of-kin and emergency contact details are updated so communication remains smooth during severe weather.

Preparing for Rota Flexibility
We plan ahead for staff shortages or road issues so visits can be adjusted quickly while maintaining continuity of care.

Carer assisting elderly woman with mobility support at home following hospital discharge

3. Winter Risk Assessments for Every Client

We complete seasonal risk assessments focusing on:

Heating safety
Slip hazards inside and outside the home
Access to warm clothing
Medication stock levels
Fire and electrical safety
Risk of isolation

Smiling elderly woman preparing food with the support of a young female carer in a bright kitchen, showing healthy living and preventative home care.

4. Ensuring Clients Are Fully Stocked Up

We check that clients have:

Essential food supplies
At least one week of medications
Warm clothing and blankets
Working heating systems
Torches and emergency items

If needed, we coordinate with families or arrange for additional supplies.

What you can expect from a home care provider

5. Vehicle Safety & Transport Preparedness

We ensure staff can travel safely by:

Covering staff MOT costs
Encouraging winter car kits
Ensuring phones remain fully charged
Providing safe route guidance

6. Weather Monitoring & Rapid Response

We continuously monitor Met Office warnings and:

Activate emergency rotas
Increase welfare checks
Adjust visit times for safety
Communicate early with families

7. Extra Mile Fund: Emergency Support

Our Extra Mile Fund allows us to assist clients instantly during winter emergencies. We have used it to purchase:

Portable heaters during boiler failures
Warm bedding or clothing
Emergency food supplies

This fund ensures no client is left unsafe due to financial constraints.

8. Communication With Clients and Families

We prioritise transparency by:

Updating families quickly
Reviewing daily schedules during weather alerts
Ensuring staff escalate concerns immediately

Reaching Out for Advice and Support

Winter can be a worrying time for families, especially if you are unsure whether a loved one is coping, staying warm, or managing safely at home. If you have concerns—or if you simply want reassurance—our team is here to help.

We offer free advice and guidance on:

Recognising when someone may need care or additional support,
Understanding winter risks for vulnerable people,
Knowing what care options are available,
Planning ahead for emergencies, and
Accessing community or financial support.

If you feel your loved one may need help this winter, or if you would like professional guidance, please reach out to our friendly team. We are always here to support you.