Winter can make home feel like the safest place to be. However, colder temperatures, wet pathways, reduced daylight and extra electrical cords can introduce risks that may not be present during the warmer months.
For older Australians, even a small slip or a short period without adequate heating can have serious consequences. This does not mean winter should restrict your independence. A few sensible changes around the home can make everyday routines safer and more comfortable.
Here are some practical ways to prepare your home and reduce common winter risks.
Keep frequently used areas warm
Older people can be more sensitive to cold temperatures, particularly if they have reduced circulation, limited mobility or certain health conditions. Some medications may also affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Focus on keeping the rooms you use most often comfortably warm. Close doors to unused rooms, block draughts safely and use curtains to help retain heat overnight.
Wearing several light layers can be more comfortable than relying on one heavy garment. Warm socks and properly fitted slippers or shoes can also help, provided the soles offer good grip.
If you notice persistent shivering, confusion, unusual tiredness, slurred speech or difficulty moving, seek medical assistance. These may be warning signs that the body has become dangerously cold.
Use heaters and electric blankets safely
Portable heaters and electric blankets can make winter more comfortable, but they should be checked before being used again after months in storage.
Look for damaged cords, loose plugs, scorch marks or exposed wiring. If an appliance appears damaged or behaves unusually, stop using it and have it checked or replaced.
Keep heaters away from:
- Curtains and bedding
- Clothing and towels
- Upholstered furniture
- Newspapers, magazines and other flammable materials
Never use a heater to dry clothing, and avoid plugging high-powered heating appliances into overloaded power boards or extension leads.
Electric blankets should be laid flat and checked for worn fabric, damaged controls or bent wiring. Turn them off before getting into bed unless the manufacturer clearly states that the product is designed for safe overnight use.
Smoke alarms should also be tested regularly. Make sure you can hear them clearly from the bedroom and living areas.
Clear winter trip hazards
During winter, we tend to bring more items into the home. Heaters, extension cords, extra rugs, blankets and drying racks can quickly narrow walkways.
Walk through each room and look at the floor from the perspective of someone who may have reduced vision or balance. Remove unnecessary clutter and make sure there is a clear route between the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and main living area.
Pay particular attention to:
- Electrical cords crossing walkways
- Loose mats or rugs with curled edges
- Blankets hanging onto the floor
- Shoes or bags left near doorways
- Furniture that makes pathways too narrow
- Pet bowls and toys in commonly used areas
Loose fabric should not be used as a draught stopper if it could become a tripping hazard. A properly fitted draught excluder attached to the door is a safer option.
Improve lighting during shorter days
Winter means fewer daylight hours, making it harder to see steps, floor-level changes and objects left in walkways.
Replace blown light bulbs promptly and make sure entrances, hallways, stairs and bathrooms are well lit. A lamp or switch should be within easy reach of the bed so you do not have to walk across a dark room.
Motion-activated night lights can be useful along the route from the bedroom to the bathroom. Outdoor sensor lights can also improve visibility when bringing in bins, checking the letterbox or arriving home after dark.
Watch for wet and slippery surfaces
Rainwater can easily be carried indoors on shoes, umbrellas and mobility aids. Wet entrance tiles and smooth floors can become slippery without being immediately noticeable.
Keep an absorbent, non-slip mat near external doors and deal with puddles as soon as possible. Avoid leaving umbrellas open in walkways or allowing wet raincoats to drip onto the floor.
Outside the home, check paths and steps for:
- Moss or algae
- Fallen leaves
- Mud and pooled water
- Loose pavers
- Poor drainage
- Damaged or unstable handrails
If a path looks unsafe, wait until it can be cleaned or ask someone for assistance. There is no need to take an unnecessary risk to complete a task immediately.
Make the bathroom safer
Bathrooms present a year-round falls risk, but winter can add wet floors, condensation and the temptation to move quickly to escape the cold.
Use properly secured non-slip mats or non-slip flooring in wet areas. Handrails and a shower chair may provide additional stability where needed.
Keep towels, clothing and toiletries within easy reach so you do not have to stretch or step onto a wet surface. If you use a portable heater in or near the bathroom, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and keep electrical appliances away from water.
Choose safe footwear indoors
Loose slippers, worn soles and thick socks without grip can increase the chance of slipping.
Choose shoes or slippers that:
- Fit securely around the heel
- Have a firm, non-slip sole
- Do not drag along the floor
- Are easy to put on without bending unsafely
- Provide enough room without being loose
Avoid walking around in ordinary socks on tiles, polished timber or other smooth flooring.
Stay active, even when the weather is poor
Cold or wet weather can make it tempting to remain seated for much of the day. Over time, reduced activity may affect leg strength, joint movement and balance.
Try to include safe movement in your daily routine. This might involve walking around the home, completing exercises recommended by a physiotherapist or joining an appropriate indoor activity program.
Healthdirect recommends regular physical activity to help older adults maintain strength and balance. Speak with your GP or physiotherapist before starting a new exercise routine, particularly if you have recently fallen, feel unsteady or have an existing medical condition.
Take your time when standing and walking
Moving suddenly from a warm bed or chair can sometimes cause dizziness. Sit upright for a moment before standing, place both feet firmly on the floor and use a stable support if needed.
Avoid rushing to answer the phone, open the door or reach the bathroom. Keep essential items close by and allow yourself enough time to move safely.
If you regularly feel dizzy, weak or unsteady, arrange an appointment with your GP. A change in balance can sometimes be related to illness, vision problems or medication side effects.
Prepare for storms and power outages
Winter storms can interrupt electricity, heating and phone services. Keep a small emergency kit somewhere easy to access.
It may include:
- A battery-powered torch
- Spare batteries
- Warm clothing and blankets
- Drinking water
- Essential medications
- A charged mobile phone or power bank
- Emergency contact numbers
- Simple food that does not require cooking
Avoid using candles where possible, as they introduce introduce an additional fire risk. A battery-operated lantern provides safer emergency lighting.
If a power outage would affect essential medical equipment, discuss an emergency plan with your electricity provider, healthcare team and family before winter.
Make sure help is within reach
Preventing accidents is important, but it is equally important to have a plan in case something still goes wrong.
Keep a phone within easy reach, rather than leaving it on a bench or in another room. Make a list of people you can call and check that your emergency contacts have access to your current medical information and home address.
A personal alarm can provide another way to call for assistance, particularly for someone who lives alone or may not be able to reach a phone after a fall.
The CareAlert Home Alarm includes a wearable waterproof pendant that can be used around the home, including in the shower. Pressing the pendant can alert pre-programmed family members, friends, a monitoring centre or emergency services, depending on how the system is set up.
For people who regularly leave the house, the CareAlert Mobile Alarm and Emergency Watch provide mobile options with GPS location features. The Emergency Watch also includes automatic fall detection. However, automatic fall detection cannot identify every type of fall, so the SOS button should still be pressed whenever the wearer is able to do so.
Whichever alarm is chosen, it needs to be worn consistently, charged or tested as instructed, and placed somewhere accessible while sleeping. A personal alarm is most helpful when it is part of a wider safety plan—not left on a bedside table or kitchen bench.
Keep in regular contact
Winter can reduce social visits and outdoor activities, especially during periods of heavy rain or illness. Arrange regular check-ins with family, friends or neighbours, whether by phone, video call or an in-person visit.
Let someone know if you are feeling unwell, if your heating is not working or if part of your home has become difficult to use safely. Asking for help with a wet pathway, damaged appliance or loose handrail can prevent a much more serious problem later.
A safer winter starts with small changes
Winter safety does not require turning the home into a clinical environment or giving up everyday independence. It often begins with small, practical changes: clearing a walkway, replacing a light bulb, checking a heater or keeping a way to call for help within reach.
Review the home at the beginning of winter and again after any change in health, mobility or medication. If you have experienced a fall—even without an obvious injury—speak with your GP. A fall may be connected to an underlying health issue, and early support can help prevent another one.
With a safer environment, regular movement and a reliable emergency plan, older Australians can remain comfortable, confident and independent throughout winter.