As temperatures dip, the comfort and well-being of ageing parents become a top concern for many families. Winter can be particularly challenging for older adults, with increased joint pain and slower metabolism, as well as an increased risk of infections and falls. For caregiving children, whether living nearby or supporting parents from afar, it’s not just about keeping parents warm, but also about ensuring they stay healthy, active, and emotionally balanced throughout the season.
Here’s a simple, practical winter care guide to help you keep your parents safe and thriving.
Keep the Chill Away: Warmth Beyond Blankets
Warmth begins with comfort, not just temperature. Older adults often feel colder than younger people due to slower circulation and thinner skin. Maintain a cosy indoor temperature between 18–21°C and close any draughts from windows or doors.
Encourage your parents to dress in light, layered clothing instead of one heavy jumper. Layers trap heat more efficiently and can be adjusted easily. Warm socks, gloves, and caps indoors make a real difference, especially in the mornings and evenings when the chill is sharper.
If using heaters or electric blankets, ensure safety checks are in place, no frayed cords or open flames. A small tip: warm their bed with a hot-water bottle before bedtime, but remove it once they’re tucked in. Comfort and safety go hand in hand.
Nourishment and Hydration: Winter Nutrition Matters
Good nutrition during winters fuels warmth and immunity. Encourage your parents to eat small, frequent meals that are easy to digest and rich in energy. Include winter-friendly produce such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, carrots, and sweet potatoes. These not only strengthen immunity but also help maintain healthy skin and bones.
Soups, khichdi, porridge, and lentil-based dishes are comforting and nutritious options. Don’t overlook hydration. In winter, the body’s thirst signals weaken, increasing the risk of dehydration. Offer lukewarm water, herbal teas, or clear soups throughout the day.
If appetite is low, check for underlying causes like medication side effects or poor dental health. A balanced diet is one of the best defences against seasonal illnesses.
Stay Active and Flexible Indoors
Cold weather often discourages movement, but a sedentary routine can worsen stiffness, joint pain, and low mood. Help your parents stay active indoors with gentle exercises. Light yoga, stretching, or simple indoor walks can improve circulation and maintain muscle strength.
Encourage them to set small daily goals; even ten to fifteen minutes of movement can make a noticeable difference. Exercise also boosts mood, helping to beat the winter blues.
Boosting Immunity and Preventing Infections in Winter
Winter brings a spike in colds, flu, and other respiratory infections, which can be particularly hard on older adults. Check with their doctor about flu and pneumonia vaccinations, simple steps that significantly reduce risk.
Encourage regular handwashing, especially before meals and after coming in from outdoors. Keep high-touch surfaces clean, including phones, doorknobs, and remote controls. Limit exposure to crowded places during peak flu season and encourage wearing masks in enclosed public areas.
If you notice any signs of infection, persistent cough, fever, or fatigue, seek medical attention early rather than waiting it out. Prevention is far easier than treatment, especially in winter.
Preventing Slips and Falls at Home During Cold Weather
Cold floors and wet bathrooms can make falls more likely during winter. Start by assessing your parents’ home environment. Place non-slip mats in bathrooms and near entrances, ensure corridors are well-lit, and remove loose rugs or clutter from walking paths.
Encourage them to wear supportive footwear with good grip, even indoors. If your parents use walking aids, check that they are in good condition. A few safety tweaks can make their home a much safer space for winter living.
Mind and Mood: Winter Blues Are Real
The cold months can also bring emotional lows, especially when outdoor activities reduce and sunlight fades early. Loneliness and isolation can quietly affect older adults’ mental health. Help them stay socially connected; regular phone or video calls, or small indoor meet-ups can brighten their mood.
Encourage hobbies like knitting, painting, gardening in pots, or light cooking. If possible, help them spend a few minutes in sunlight each day, which boosts vitamin D levels and enhances mood naturally. A cheerful environment can make winter feel less grey.
Warm Care and a Safer Winter for Ageing Parents
The best way to care for your parents this season is through a balanced winter care plan, one that combines warmth, nutrition, movement, and emotional connection. Create a simple daily checklist: a warm breakfast, a bit of morning sunlight, a short walk or stretch, and a shared evening tea. These small moments add up to big protection against winter’s challenges.
If you’re juggling work and caregiving, remember that help is available. Supportive eldercare services can take some of the burden off your shoulders while ensuring your parents receive attentive, personalised care.
At Samarth, we understand that caring for ageing parents, especially during winter, requires a mix of vigilance and compassion. Our care managers can help you design a personalised winter care plan for your parents, covering everything from health monitoring and safe home checks to emotional companionship and medical coordination.
Sign up with Samarth today and give your parents the comfort and care they deserve this winter.
