Preparing for Winter Care: What to Consider for Your Loved Ones with Dementia
Winter can be a challenging time for people living with dementia. Colder weather, shorter days, and disruptions to routine can all affect comfort and wellbeing. For families, this season often brings new questions about how to keep a loved one safe, warm, and supported. At Old Alresford Care Home, we understand how important it is to plan ahead so winter feels calm rather than stressful. With the right preparation, it can even be a season of comfort and connection.
Below are key areas to consider when thinking about winter care for someone with dementia, whether they live at home or in a care setting.
Keep the environment warm and safe
Many people with dementia struggle to recognise when they feel cold, which increases the risk of hypothermia. It is important to ensure indoor temperatures stay consistent and comfortable. If your loved one lives at home, check their heating system in advance, look for draughts around windows, and keep blankets or warm clothing within easy reach.
In a residential setting such as Old Alresford Care Home, staff monitor room temperatures throughout the day and offer seasonal clothing guidance to make sure each person feels warm but not overheated. Layered clothing works well because it allows quick adjustments.
Safety also matters. Reduced daylight and slippery outdoor paths can increase the risk of trips or falls. Night lights, clear walkways, and good footwear can make a real difference. Our care team completes regular safety checks across the home during the winter months to reduce risks further.
Support physical health
Winter often brings more coughs, colds, and seasonal illnesses. For someone living with dementia, even a mild infection can cause confusion or distress. Prevention is key. Encourage flu and COVID vaccinations, keep hands clean, and maintain good hydration. People often drink less in colder weather, so warm drinks, soups, and broths can help.
Nutrition also plays a part. Comforting, hearty meals that are easy to eat and full of nutrients support both body and mind. At Old Alresford Care Home, our kitchen team plans winter menus that focus on warmth, flavour, and nutrition. Meals are prepared to suit individual needs, including soft diets and finger foods.
Maintain a steady routine
Shorter days can disrupt sleep patterns and increase feelings of confusion. This is especially true for people who experience sundowning, which can be more noticeable in winter. A predictable routine can help reduce anxiety, so try to keep mealtimes, activities, and bedtime consistent.
At Old Alresford Care Home, daily schedules are designed to bring stability and reassurance. Gentle morning activities, regular mealtimes, and calming evening routines all help residents feel grounded, even when daylight hours shift.
Light also matters. Make the most of natural daylight by opening curtains early and sitting near bright windows. When natural light is limited, warm indoor lighting helps create a cosy, calm atmosphere.
Encourage movement and engagement
Cold weather can make it tempting to stay still, but movement supports mobility, circulation, and mood. Short indoor walks, simple stretches, or chair-based exercises all help. Keeping mentally active is just as important. Puzzles, music sessions, familiar films, and seasonal crafts provide stimulation and enjoyment.
At Old Alresford Care Home, our activity team plans a full winter programme tailored to each resident’s interests and abilities. From baking sessions to festive decorations, we aim to keep spirits high through the colder months.
Look after emotional wellbeing
Winter can trigger loneliness or restlessness, especially when travel becomes harder for family and friends. Regular contact, whether in person or through video calls, can help your loved one feel connected.
Familiar traditions also bring comfort. A favourite blanket, a familiar song, or old photographs can help spark positive memories. Our team often uses reminiscence activities at this time of year because they help reduce stress and support self-esteem.
Consider whether extra support is needed
For many families, winter prompts an important question. Is home still the safest place for my loved one? There is no single answer, but signs such as frequent confusion, increased risks around heating or cooking, or disrupted sleep might indicate it is time for more structured support.
Old Alresford Care Home offers specialist dementia care designed to provide safety, warmth, and personalised attention throughout the year. Winter becomes less daunting when trained staff are on hand around the clock, and when a loved one is surrounded by familiar faces, engaging activities, and a comfortable environment.
How Old Alresford Care Home supports winter care
Our approach to winter care focuses on warmth, safety, routine, and emotional comfort. We take time to understand each resident’s preferences so that support feels personal. Families are always welcome to visit, and we work closely with them to ensure a smooth transition if winter is the time they choose to explore care options.
Final thoughts
Preparing for winter care for a loved one with dementia is not just about keeping them warm. It is about creating comfort, protecting wellbeing, and making time for the moments that matter. With thoughtful planning and the right support, winter can be a peaceful and reassuring season.
If you would like to learn more about dementia care at Old Alresford Care Home or discuss how we can support your family this winter, our team is here to help.