Preparing Seniors for Winter: Safety, Wellness & Peace of Mind

🏠 At Home

• Maintain safe indoor temperatures; use space heaters only when supervised and clear of fabrics/cords.
• Service furnaces; test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors each season.
• Secure loose rugs and cords; clear pathways for mobility aids.
• Increase lighting and add motion-sensor night lights for overnight visibility.
• Keep a basic emergency kit and medication list handy as part of your household plan.
• Build consistent routines around meds, meals, and movement—our care planning process can incorporate night-time support via Overnight Care or continuous 24-Hour Care when risks are higher at night.

🚶 Getting Around

• Keep porches, ramps, and driveways clear of snow and ice.
• Wear slip-resistant footwear; consider traction cleats and walking poles.
• Walk slowly, use handrails, and avoid heavy bags that affect balance.
• Use breathable layers to stay warm without overheating.
• On icy days, arrange rides or deliveries; check local **warming-centre** updates in White Rock, Vancouver, or Burnaby as needed.

When outdoor time is limited, movement, hydration, and balanced nutrition remain essential. Aim for gentle indoor activity—chair stretches, light resistance, or indoor walking—plus warming meals like soups, lean proteins, and cooked vegetables. Consistent routines and not rushing help reduce falls.

We can weave engagement and purposeful routines into each day as part of a personalized plan. Where chronic conditions add complexity, our teams coordinate care such as Arthritis Care, Diabetes Care, or Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care.

• Schedule short, frequent movement breaks to reduce stiffness.
• Hydrate with water, tea, or broth throughout the day.
• Ask a clinician about vitamin D during shorter-daylight months.
• Review medications for side effects that affect balance or heat regulation.

Winter can amplify loneliness—linked to poorer physical and mental health. To locate friendly-call programs, transportation, meals, or warming centres near you in BC, dial 2-1-1 British Columbia for live navigation by phone, text, or web chat.

Day-to-day encouragement and check-ins also help—meet our Care Professionals, or arrange short-term support through Respite Care.

• Fraser Health — Winter safety guide
• EmergencyInfoBC — Extreme cold (official updates)
• PreparedBC — Emergency guides & household plans

• City of White Rock — Daytime Warming Centre
• City of Vancouver — Shelters & Warming Centres (activated at −4 °C/feels like)
• City of Burnaby — Emergency Warming Centre updates
• 2-1-1 British Columbia — Service & warming-centre navigation

From safety checks to meal support, our services reduce risk and restore confidence during the colder months. Depending on needs, families often consider:

• 24-Hour Care for continuous support
• Overnight Care for night-time safety
• Respite Care for short-term relief
• Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care when memory changes heighten winter risks
• Arthritis Care and Diabetes Care to support mobility, circulation, and healthy routines

See our step-by-step process and connect with our Care Professionals to design a plan that fits your routines, goals, and budget.