![\"\"](\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-251795a5-32d6-4d99-8c13-93cf9c69fc51-1-1.png\")
Winter has its own quiet beauty, but for older adults the colder months bring some very real risks. Cold weather is harder on the ageing body than many people realise, and it comes bundled with slippery pavements, dark afternoons, and the seasonal bugs that tend to hit older people hardest.
With a little preparation and care, though, these risks can be managed, and your loved one can stay safe, warm and well right through to spring. Here is how to help them through the winter.
As we age, the body becomes less able to hold on to heat and to sense the cold, which makes older people both more likely to feel the chill and more prone to becoming dangerously cold. Cold weather also puts extra strain on the heart and circulation, and it is peak season for flu and chest infections, which can be far more serious in later life. Add icy paths and early darkness, which raise the risk of falls, and the worry that some older people ration their heating to save money, and it is easy to see why winter deserves a little extra attention.
![\"\"](\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-eafac804-8dc9-4e4a-9993-699808675808-1-1.png\")
A warm home is the foundation of a safe winter. A few things help:
Here is an important point: no one should be sitting in the cold because they are worried about the cost of heating. There is often financial help available towards energy and heating bills for older people, and it is well worth checking what your loved one might be entitled to. Age UK and gov.uk are good places to look, and a quick check could make a real difference to their comfort and safety.
![\"\"](\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-ba4d92f9-b430-4599-9b1b-2ce3aa2ac46d-1-1.png\")
Ice, snow, wet leaves and dark afternoons all make falls more likely. To reduce the risk:
![\"\"](\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-d97bfdcd-5cc3-4685-b98c-db3cfd0e76ab-1-1.png\")
Winter is the season for flu, chest infections and other bugs that can be genuinely serious for older people. The flu vaccine, along with other recommended vaccinations such as the COVID booster, is offered free on the NHS to older adults and is well worth taking up each year. Alongside that, keeping warm, eating well and washing hands regularly all help keep illness at bay. If your loved one does become unwell, it is best to seek medical advice early rather than waiting.
![\"\"](\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-f409b1fe-cb92-4170-954a-d67b89ccb384-1-1.png\")
Warm, nourishing meals and regular hot drinks help keep the body warm and strong through the cold months. And although we tend to think of dehydration as a summer worry, it is easy to drink too little in winter too, so keep fluids up as well.
![\"\"](\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-2b8c8595-075f-40ca-876b-889d0b92ae4e-1-1.png\")
The cold, dark months can be isolating, and spending more time indoors can affect both body and spirits. Gentle indoor activity helps keep your loved one mobile and warm, and regular contact, a visit, a phone call, a familiar face, can lift the mood enormously when the days are short and grey. Company matters just as much as warmth.
It is wise to keep the home stocked with food, medications and everyday essentials, so your loved one does not have to venture out in bad weather. It is also worth being ready for the occasional power cut: keep a torch, warm blankets and a charged phone to hand, along with any important numbers.
Try to check on older loved ones regularly during cold snaps, especially anyone living alone. It is also worth knowing the signs of hypothermia, which can be surprisingly subtle in older people: shivering, cold or pale skin, unusual tiredness, confusion or drowsiness, or slurred speech. If you suspect it, warm them gradually with blankets and a warm (not hot) drink, and seek medical help, calling 999 if they are very unwell or difficult to rouse.
Winter is one of those times when having someone on hand is a genuine comfort. A live-in carer keeps the home warm, makes sure your loved one is well-fed, warm and safe from falls, helps them get to vaccinations and appointments, and keeps them company through the darkest, coldest months. Just as importantly, they stay alert to any sign of cold or illness, so they can act quickly if needed.
For families who cannot always be there when the weather turns, it offers real peace of mind.
With a little preparation and the right support, winter can be a warm, safe and even lovely time for your loved one. And if you would like a hand keeping them well through the season, we are always here to help.
Book a free care advice call, or give us a ring on 020 3970 9900.
This guide offers general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. For the latest health guidance, vaccination information, and advice on specific symptoms, please see the NHS website or speak to a GP or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 999.
","html_sections":{"json":[{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Winter has its own quiet beauty, but for older adults the colder months bring some very real risks. Cold weather is harder on the ageing body than many people realise, and it comes bundled with slippery pavements, dark afternoons, and the seasonal bugs that tend to hit older people hardest.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"With a little preparation and care, though, these risks can be managed, and your loved one can stay safe, warm and well right through to spring. 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Add icy paths and early darkness, which raise the risk of falls, and the worry that some older people ration their heating to save money, and it is easy to see why winter deserves a little extra attention.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"Keeping warm at home","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"keeping-warm-at-home"}},{"tagName":"FIGURE","innerHtml":"","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":"kg-card kg-image-card","id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"A warm home is the foundation of a safe winter. A few things help:","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"UL","innerHtml":"","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":"kg-card kg-image-card","id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Ice, snow, wet leaves and dark afternoons all make falls more likely. To reduce the risk:","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"UL","innerHtml":"","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":"kg-card kg-image-card","id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Winter is the season for flu, chest infections and other bugs that can be genuinely serious for older people. The flu vaccine, along with other recommended vaccinations such as the COVID booster, is offered free on the NHS to older adults and is well worth taking up each year. Alongside that, keeping warm, eating well and washing hands regularly all help keep illness at bay. If your loved one does become unwell, it is best to seek medical advice early rather than waiting.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"Eating well and staying hydrated","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"eating-well-and-staying-hydrated"}},{"tagName":"FIGURE","innerHtml":"","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":"kg-card kg-image-card","id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Warm, nourishing meals and regular hot drinks help keep the body warm and strong through the cold months. And although we tend to think of dehydration as a summer worry, it is easy to drink too little in winter too, so keep fluids up as well.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"Staying active and connected","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"staying-active-and-connected"}},{"tagName":"FIGURE","innerHtml":"","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":"kg-card kg-image-card","id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"The cold, dark months can be isolating, and spending more time indoors can affect both body and spirits. Gentle indoor activity helps keep your loved one mobile and warm, and regular contact, a visit, a phone call, a familiar face, can lift the mood enormously when the days are short and grey. 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It is also worth knowing the signs of hypothermia, which can be surprisingly subtle in older people: shivering, cold or pale skin, unusual tiredness, confusion or drowsiness, or slurred speech. If you suspect it, warm them gradually with blankets and a warm (not hot) drink, and seek medical help, calling 999 if they are very unwell or difficult to rouse.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"How live-in care helps","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"how-live-in-care-helps"}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Winter is one of those times when having someone on hand is a genuine comfort. A live-in carer keeps the home warm, makes sure your loved one is well-fed, warm and safe from falls, helps them get to vaccinations and appointments, and keeps them company through the darkest, coldest months. Just as importantly, they stay alert to any sign of cold or illness, so they can act quickly if needed.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"For families who cannot always be there when the weather turns, it offers real peace of mind.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"A safe and cosy winter","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"a-safe-and-cosy-winter"}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"With a little preparation and the right support, winter can be a warm, safe and even lovely time for your loved one. And if you would like a hand keeping them well through the season, we are always here to help.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Book a free care advice call, or give us a ring on 020 3970 9900.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"This guide offers general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. For the latest health guidance, vaccination information, and advice on specific symptoms, please see the NHS website or speak to a GP or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 999.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}}]},"title":"Winter safety for older adults","meta_title":"Winter Safety for Older Adults: A Practical Guide","meta_description":"Cold weather, icy paths and winter illness are real risks for older people. A practical guide to keeping an elderly loved one warm, safe and well all winter long.","custom_excerpt":null,"excerpt":"Winter has its own quiet beauty, but for older adults the colder months bring some very real risks. Cold weather is harder on the ageing body than many people realise, and it comes bundled with slippery pavements, dark afternoons, and the seasonal bugs that tend to hit older people hardest.\n\nWith a little preparation and care, though, these risks can be managed, and your loved one can stay safe, warm and well right through to spring. Here is how to help them through the winter.\n\n\nWhy winter is r","plaintext":"Winter has its own quiet beauty, but for older adults the colder months bring some very real risks. Cold weather is harder on the ageing body than many people realise, and it comes bundled with slippery pavements, dark afternoons, and the seasonal bugs that tend to hit older people hardest.\n\nWith a little preparation and care, though, these risks can be managed, and your loved one can stay safe, warm and well right through to spring. Here is how to help them through the winter.\n\n\nWhy winter is riskier for older adults\n\nAs we age, the body becomes less able to hold on to heat and to sense the cold, which makes older people both more likely to feel the chill and more prone to becoming dangerously cold. Cold weather also puts extra strain on the heart and circulation, and it is peak season for flu and chest infections, which can be far more serious in later life. Add icy paths and early darkness, which raise the risk of falls, and the worry that some older people ration their heating to save money, and it is easy to see why winter deserves a little extra attention.\n\n\nKeeping warm at home\n\nA warm home is the foundation of a safe winter. A few things help:\n\n * heat the rooms being used to a comfortable temperature, aiming for around 18°C or above, and keep the bedroom warm too\n * dress in several thin layers rather than one thick one, as layers trap warmth better\n * use warm bedding, and a hot water bottle or an electric blanket, but never both at once, and follow the safety instructions\n * enjoy warm meals and hot drinks through the day\n * keep gently moving, as staying active helps the body stay warm\n\n\nNo one should go without heat\n\nHere is an important point: no one should be sitting in the cold because they are worried about the cost of heating. There is often financial help available towards energy and heating bills for older people, and it is well worth checking what your loved one might be entitled to. Age UK and gov.uk are good places to look, and a quick check could make a real difference to their comfort and safety.\n\n\nPreventing winter falls\n\nIce, snow, wet leaves and dark afternoons all make falls more likely. To reduce the risk:\n\n * keep paths and doorsteps clear and gritted in icy weather\n * make sure outdoor and indoor lighting is good, as the evenings draw in early\n * wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes with a good grip\n * take extra care outdoors, or stay in altogether, during icy spells\n * keep the home well stocked so there is less need to go out in harsh weather\n\n\nGuarding against winter illness\n\nWinter is the season for flu, chest infections and other bugs that can be genuinely serious for older people. The flu vaccine, along with other recommended vaccinations such as the COVID booster, is offered free on the NHS to older adults and is well worth taking up each year. Alongside that, keeping warm, eating well and washing hands regularly all help keep illness at bay. If your loved one does become unwell, it is best to seek medical advice early rather than waiting.\n\n\nEating well and staying hydrated\n\nWarm, nourishing meals and regular hot drinks help keep the body warm and strong through the cold months. And although we tend to think of dehydration as a summer worry, it is easy to drink too little in winter too, so keep fluids up as well.\n\n\nStaying active and connected\n\nThe cold, dark months can be isolating, and spending more time indoors can affect both body and spirits. Gentle indoor activity helps keep your loved one mobile and warm, and regular contact, a visit, a phone call, a familiar face, can lift the mood enormously when the days are short and grey. Company matters just as much as warmth.\n\n\nBeing prepared\n\nIt is wise to keep the home stocked with food, medications and everyday essentials, so your loved one does not have to venture out in bad weather. It is also worth being ready for the occasional power cut: keep a torch, warm blankets and a charged phone to hand, along with any important numbers.\n\n\nCheck in, and know the signs\n\nTry to check on older loved ones regularly during cold snaps, especially anyone living alone. It is also worth knowing the signs of hypothermia, which can be surprisingly subtle in older people: shivering, cold or pale skin, unusual tiredness, confusion or drowsiness, or slurred speech. If you suspect it, warm them gradually with blankets and a warm (not hot) drink, and seek medical help, calling 999 if they are very unwell or difficult to rouse.\n\n\nHow live-in care helps\n\nWinter is one of those times when having someone on hand is a genuine comfort. A live-in carer keeps the home warm, makes sure your loved one is well-fed, warm and safe from falls, helps them get to vaccinations and appointments, and keeps them company through the darkest, coldest months. Just as importantly, they stay alert to any sign of cold or illness, so they can act quickly if needed.\n\nFor families who cannot always be there when the weather turns, it offers real peace of mind.\n\n\nA safe and cosy winter\n\nWith a little preparation and the right support, winter can be a warm, safe and even lovely time for your loved one. And if you would like a hand keeping them well through the season, we are always here to help.\n\nBook a free care advice call, or give us a ring on 020 3970 9900.\n\nThis guide offers general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. For the latest health guidance, vaccination information, and advice on specific symptoms, please see the NHS website or speak to a GP or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 999.","primary_tag":{"name":"Safety, health and wellbeing"},"slug":"winter-safety-for-older-adults","publishedDisplay":"09 Jul 2026","updatedDisplay":"23 Jul 2026","publishedIso":"2026-07-09T14:00:29.000+00:00","updatedIso":"2026-07-23T12:56:00.000+00:00","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#180808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/94182/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/26cfb/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/826b9/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/94182/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/921bf/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/323e8/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/9181c/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1331}}},"primary_author":{"bio":"Communications and Marketing Lead","name":"Jamie Shie","slug":"jamie","profile_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#383838","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/2e55b/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.png","srcSet":"/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/5fbde/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.png 132w,\n/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/6672c/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.png 264w,\n/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/2e55b/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.png 528w","sizes":"(min-width: 528px) 528px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/df6d7/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.webp 132w,\n/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/5bda5/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.webp 264w,\n/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/3155f/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.webp 528w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 528px) 528px, 100vw"}]},"width":528,"height":466}}}}},"relatedPosts":{"nodes":[{"title":"Recognising Signs of Pain in a Parent Who Can't Easily Express It","slug":"recognising-signs-of-pain-in-a-parent-who-cant-easily-express-it","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/c8c66cacd7aa5f72e9576f44a407cfb9/f19bc/junior-reis-R1H2Y7T7m3I-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c8c66cacd7aa5f72e9576f44a407cfb9/26cfb/junior-reis-R1H2Y7T7m3I-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/c8c66cacd7aa5f72e9576f44a407cfb9/1b035/junior-reis-R1H2Y7T7m3I-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/c8c66cacd7aa5f72e9576f44a407cfb9/f19bc/junior-reis-R1H2Y7T7m3I-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/c8c66cacd7aa5f72e9576f44a407cfb9/921bf/junior-reis-R1H2Y7T7m3I-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/c8c66cacd7aa5f72e9576f44a407cfb9/b7ef5/junior-reis-R1H2Y7T7m3I-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/c8c66cacd7aa5f72e9576f44a407cfb9/c9c6a/junior-reis-R1H2Y7T7m3I-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"Pain is hard enough to cope with when you can describe it. But what happens when your parent cannot easily tell you they are hurting? For older people living with dementia, or with communication difficulties after a stroke, or simply with a lifelong reluctance to complain, pain can go unnoticed and untreated, causing real and needless suffering.\n\nLearning to recognise the signs is one of the most valuable and compassionate things a family, or a carer, can do. Here is how to spot pain in a parent","published_at":"13 Aug 2026"},{"title":"Wandering and Dementia: How Live-in Care Reduces the Risk Safely","slug":"wandering-and-dementia-how-live-in-care-reduces-the-risk-safely","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#e8e8e8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/5d67731adc6b35ab019ef697d1aded93/cea72/chastagner-thierry-OzbtqCbn6mQ-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5d67731adc6b35ab019ef697d1aded93/27dfb/chastagner-thierry-OzbtqCbn6mQ-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/5d67731adc6b35ab019ef697d1aded93/93925/chastagner-thierry-OzbtqCbn6mQ-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/5d67731adc6b35ab019ef697d1aded93/cea72/chastagner-thierry-OzbtqCbn6mQ-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/5d67731adc6b35ab019ef697d1aded93/c3195/chastagner-thierry-OzbtqCbn6mQ-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/5d67731adc6b35ab019ef697d1aded93/20248/chastagner-thierry-OzbtqCbn6mQ-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/5d67731adc6b35ab019ef697d1aded93/ae87b/chastagner-thierry-OzbtqCbn6mQ-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1395}}},"excerpt":"For families of someone living with dementia, few worries are as frightening as the thought of them leaving the house, becoming lost, and coming to harm. This tendency to walk about, often called wandering, is common in dementia, and it can be a genuine source of dread, especially at night, or if your loved one lives alone.\n\nThe reassuring news is that, with understanding and the right support, these risks can be greatly reduced, safely and with dignity. Here is how, and how live-in care helps i","published_at":"13 Aug 2026"},{"title":"Sundowning: What It Is and How Live-in Carers Manage It","slug":"sundowning-what-it-is-and-how-live-in-carers-manage-it","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#d8d8d8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/0e1e2151ca13f754f95cbbd0e5639242/f19bc/steven-hwg-zBsdRTHIIm4-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0e1e2151ca13f754f95cbbd0e5639242/26cfb/steven-hwg-zBsdRTHIIm4-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/0e1e2151ca13f754f95cbbd0e5639242/1b035/steven-hwg-zBsdRTHIIm4-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/0e1e2151ca13f754f95cbbd0e5639242/f19bc/steven-hwg-zBsdRTHIIm4-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/0e1e2151ca13f754f95cbbd0e5639242/921bf/steven-hwg-zBsdRTHIIm4-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/0e1e2151ca13f754f95cbbd0e5639242/b7ef5/steven-hwg-zBsdRTHIIm4-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/0e1e2151ca13f754f95cbbd0e5639242/c9c6a/steven-hwg-zBsdRTHIIm4-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"If you care for someone living with dementia, you may have noticed a distressing pattern: as afternoon turns to evening, they become more confused, restless, anxious or agitated than they were earlier in the day. This is known as sundowning, and it is very common in dementia. It can be exhausting and upsetting, for the person experiencing it and for everyone around them.\n\nThe reassuring news is that sundowning can be understood, and there is a great deal that helps to ease it. Here is what it is","published_at":"13 Aug 2026"},{"title":"Communicating With a Parent in Later-Stage Dementia","slug":"communicating-with-a-parent-in-later-stage-dementia","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#d8c8b8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/f19bc/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/26cfb/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/1b035/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/f19bc/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/921bf/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/b7ef5/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/c9c6a/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"As dementia advances into its later stages, one of the hardest changes for families is what happens to communication. A parent may speak very little, or not at all. They may no longer follow what is said to them, and may not seem to recognise you. It can feel, heartbreakingly, as though you are losing the ability to reach the person you love.\n\nBut here is a truth worth holding onto tightly: connection is still possible, and still deeply meaningful, even when words are gone. It simply takes a dif","published_at":"13 Aug 2026"},{"title":"How to Communicate With a Parent Who Has Hearing Loss","slug":"how-to-communicate-with-a-parent-who-has-hearing-loss","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#989888","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/64afafec0fb8655d2ab8f1e079f66e16/f19bc/getty-images-6zuY59kYP2Y-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/64afafec0fb8655d2ab8f1e079f66e16/26cfb/getty-images-6zuY59kYP2Y-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/64afafec0fb8655d2ab8f1e079f66e16/1b035/getty-images-6zuY59kYP2Y-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/64afafec0fb8655d2ab8f1e079f66e16/f19bc/getty-images-6zuY59kYP2Y-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/64afafec0fb8655d2ab8f1e079f66e16/921bf/getty-images-6zuY59kYP2Y-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/64afafec0fb8655d2ab8f1e079f66e16/b7ef5/getty-images-6zuY59kYP2Y-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/64afafec0fb8655d2ab8f1e079f66e16/c9c6a/getty-images-6zuY59kYP2Y-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"If a parent is losing their hearing, you will know how easily conversations can become frustrating for everyone. Words are missed, things have to be repeated, and both of you can end up tired or exasperated. Over time, that frustration can quietly cause an older person to withdraw from conversation altogether, which is a real loss.\n\nThe good news is that a few simple changes to how you communicate can make an enormous difference. They are easy to learn, they quickly become second nature, and the","published_at":"13 Aug 2026"},{"title":"Staying Mentally Active: Hobbies, Puzzles and Lifelong Learning at Home","slug":"staying-mentally-active-hobbies-puzzles-and-lifelong-learning-at-home","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/73c90782c519d88f709bab69f024b29a/f19bc/vlad-sargu-ItphH2lGzuI-unsplash-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/73c90782c519d88f709bab69f024b29a/26cfb/vlad-sargu-ItphH2lGzuI-unsplash-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/73c90782c519d88f709bab69f024b29a/1b035/vlad-sargu-ItphH2lGzuI-unsplash-1.jpg 1000w,\n/static/73c90782c519d88f709bab69f024b29a/f19bc/vlad-sargu-ItphH2lGzuI-unsplash-1.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/73c90782c519d88f709bab69f024b29a/921bf/vlad-sargu-ItphH2lGzuI-unsplash-1.webp 500w,\n/static/73c90782c519d88f709bab69f024b29a/b7ef5/vlad-sargu-ItphH2lGzuI-unsplash-1.webp 1000w,\n/static/73c90782c519d88f709bab69f024b29a/c9c6a/vlad-sargu-ItphH2lGzuI-unsplash-1.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"We tend to think a great deal about keeping older people physically well, and rightly so. But keeping the mind active matters every bit as much. A stimulated, engaged mind supports mood, confidence, a sense of purpose, and general wellbeing, and it helps later life feel rich and full rather than empty and slow.\n\nThe good news is that staying mentally active is enjoyable, endlessly varied, and very achievable at home. Here is why it matters, and plenty of ideas for keeping a loved one's mind live","published_at":"06 Aug 2026"},{"title":"Coping With Hay Fever and Allergies in Older Adults","slug":"coping-with-hay-fever-and-allergies-in-older-adults","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#e8e8e8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/ce4b1e17aafc94344f6ea070e02a38d2/f19bc/getty-images-tAL05NAwaNc-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ce4b1e17aafc94344f6ea070e02a38d2/26cfb/getty-images-tAL05NAwaNc-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/ce4b1e17aafc94344f6ea070e02a38d2/1b035/getty-images-tAL05NAwaNc-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/ce4b1e17aafc94344f6ea070e02a38d2/f19bc/getty-images-tAL05NAwaNc-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/ce4b1e17aafc94344f6ea070e02a38d2/921bf/getty-images-tAL05NAwaNc-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/ce4b1e17aafc94344f6ea070e02a38d2/b7ef5/getty-images-tAL05NAwaNc-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/ce4b1e17aafc94344f6ea070e02a38d2/c9c6a/getty-images-tAL05NAwaNc-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"Hay fever and allergies are often thought of as something that affects children and younger adults, but they can trouble older people too, and sometimes for the first time later in life. Itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and congestion are just as miserable at eighty as at eighteen, and for older adults there are a few extra things worth knowing.\n\nHere is a practical guide to managing hay fever and allergies in later life, including one genuinely important safety point about medication.\n\n\nAller","published_at":"06 Aug 2026"},{"title":"Sleep problems in older adults: causes and home-based solutions","slug":"sleep-problems-in-older-adults-causes-and-home-based-solutions","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#e8e8e8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/3c646/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/28380/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/6e54a/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.jpg 1000w,\n/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/3c646/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/76f01/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.webp 500w,\n/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/bd81f/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.webp 1000w,\n/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/1c6e9/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1335}}},"excerpt":"A bad night's sleep is miserable at any age. In later life, it can be more than that. Poor sleep drains energy and lifts anxiety, but it also raises the risk of falls, clouds memory and concentration, lowers mood, and makes existing health problems harder to manage. And when an older person is awake and restless at night, the whole household often loses sleep with them.\n\nThe encouraging news is that sleep problems are rarely inevitable, and there is a great deal that can help. Here is what tends","published_at":"15 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Companionship as care: why loneliness is a health issue too","slug":"companionship-as-care-why-loneliness-is-a-health-issue-too","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/3c646/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/28380/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/6e54a/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/3c646/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/76f01/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/bd81f/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/1c6e9/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1335}}},"excerpt":"When families think about care, they usually think about the practical things: help with washing and dressing, medication, meals, mobility, safety. All of it matters enormously. But there is another part of care that is easy to underestimate, and it may be just as important to your loved one's health as any of it.\n\nCompanionship.\n\nIt is tempting to think of company as a pleasant extra, the nice-to-have that sits alongside the \"real\" care. The evidence says otherwise. Loneliness is not just sad. ","published_at":"15 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Dehydration in older adults: a commonly missed risk at home","slug":"dehydration-in-older-adults-a-commonly-missed-risk-at-home","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/3c646/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.jpg","srcSet":"/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/28380/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.jpg 500w,\n/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/6e54a/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.jpg 1000w,\n/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/3c646/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/76f01/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.webp 500w,\n/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/bd81f/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.webp 1000w,\n/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/1c6e9/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1335}}},"excerpt":"Of all the risks facing an older person living at home, dehydration is one of the most common, one of the most serious, and one of the easiest to miss entirely. It rarely announces itself. It creeps up quietly, and by the time it becomes obvious, real harm may already have been done.\n\nThe good news is that it is very preventable, once you know what to look for. Here is why older adults are so vulnerable to dehydration, the signs that are so easily missed, and what genuinely helps at home.\n\n\nWhy ","published_at":"15 Jul 2026"},{"title":"UTIs and sudden confusion in older adults: why it is often mistaken for dementia","slug":"utis-and-sudden-confusion-in-older-adults-why-it-is-often-mistaken-for-dementia","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#e8e8e8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/3c646/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/28380/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/6e54a/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/3c646/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/76f01/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/bd81f/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/1c6e9/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1335}}},"excerpt":"It is a scene that plays out in families all the time. A parent who was perfectly sharp last week is suddenly muddled. They do not know what day it is. They seem agitated, or unusually drowsy. They say things that make no sense, or seem not to recognise where they are.\n\nThe family's heart sinks, because there seems to be only one explanation. Dementia. It has finally arrived, or taken a sudden turn for the worse.\n\nBut very often, that is not what is happening at all. And knowing the difference i","published_at":"15 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Winter safety for older adults","slug":"winter-safety-for-older-adults","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#180808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/94182/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/26cfb/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/826b9/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/94182/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/921bf/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/323e8/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/9181c/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1331}}},"excerpt":"Winter has its own quiet beauty, but for older adults the colder months bring some very real risks. Cold weather is harder on the ageing body than many people realise, and it comes bundled with slippery pavements, dark afternoons, and the seasonal bugs that tend to hit older people hardest.\n\nWith a little preparation and care, though, these risks can be managed, and your loved one can stay safe, warm and well right through to spring. Here is how to help them through the winter.\n\n\nWhy winter is r","published_at":"09 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Long-distance caregiving: staying involved when you live far away","slug":"long-distance-caregiving-staying-involved-when-you-live-far-away","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/f19bc/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/26cfb/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/1b035/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/f19bc/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/921bf/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/b7ef5/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/c9c6a/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"Caring for a loved one when you live far away, in another city, or even another country, comes with its own particular ache. There is the worry of not being there, the guilt that quietly follows you around, and the frustrating sense of being out of the loop, never quite sure how your parent or relative is really doing.\n\nIf you are a long-distance caregiver, you carry a great deal, often silently. The reassuring truth is that there is a lot you can do to stay genuinely involved, and genuinely rea","published_at":"09 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Heatwave safety for older adults","slug":"heatwave-safety-for-older-adults","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/f19bc/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/26cfb/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/1b035/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/f19bc/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/921bf/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/b7ef5/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/c9c6a/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"When the summer sun arrives, it is tempting to think of hot weather as nothing but a treat. But for older adults, a heatwave can be genuinely dangerous. Our bodies become less able to cope with heat as we age, and every summer, hot spells pose real risks to older people's health.\n\nThe reassuring news is that, with a little awareness and some simple steps, those risks can be greatly reduced. Here is how to help an older loved one stay safe, cool and well when the temperature climbs.\n\n\nWhy older a","published_at":"09 Jul 2026"},{"title":"How do we keep your loved one's money safe?","slug":"how-do-we-keep-your-loved-ones-money-safe","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#c8d8c8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/dbd40/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/d3119/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/26b49/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/dbd40/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/cd07d/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/bf95e/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/d36eb/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1125}}},"excerpt":"Trusting someone to come into your loved one's home sometimes means trusting them around money too, for the weekly shop, perhaps, or a small errand. It is completely natural to want to know how that is handled, and to be sure your loved one's money is safe.\n\nIt is something we have thought about very carefully, and built real safeguards around. These protect your loved one, protect their finances, and protect everyone involved from any misunderstanding. Here is how it works.\n\n\nOnly when it is ne","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Moving and handling: how our carers keep your loved one safe and mobile","slug":"moving-and-handling-how-our-carers-keep-your-loved-one-safe-and-mobile","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/81791/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/cf2d1/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/b3b6f/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/81791/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/d731e/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/993a1/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/fe213/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1329}}},"excerpt":"As we get older, the everyday movements most of us take for granted, getting out of bed, rising from a chair, walking to the bathroom, can become harder and, at times, risky. So it is a very natural question for families to ask: can a live-in carer help with this, safely?\n\nThe answer is yes. Helping someone move safely and comfortably, known in care as \"moving and handling,\" is a core part of what our carers do. But how it is done matters enormously, both for your loved one's safety and for thei","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"},{"title":"How do our carers handle medication safely?","slug":"how-do-our-carers-handle-medication-safely","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#e8e8d8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/f19bc/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/26cfb/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/1b035/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/f19bc/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/921bf/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/b7ef5/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/c9c6a/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"Of all the things families think about when arranging care, medication is often near the top of the list. Is my loved one getting the right medicines, at the right times? Is it being handled safely? Are they still being treated as an adult who can make their own choices? These are important questions, and entirely the right ones to ask.\n\nManaging medication well is a core part of good care, and it is something we take extremely seriously. Here is how our carers handle it: safely, accurately, and","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"},{"title":"What happens if there is an accident?","slug":"what-happens-if-there-is-an-accident","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/3c646/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/28380/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/6e54a/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/3c646/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/76f01/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/bd81f/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/1c6e9/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1335}}},"excerpt":"It is one of the worries that sits quietly at the back of every family's mind when arranging care: what if something goes wrong? What if my loved one has a fall, or there is a mistake? It is a completely fair question, and one you should feel able to ask any care provider.\n\nThe honest truth is that accidents can, occasionally, happen, particularly in later life. No one can promise they never will. What truly matters is how a provider works to prevent them, how they respond when something does ha","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Mental capacity: how our carers respect your loved one's right to choose","slug":"mental-capacity-how-our-carers-respect-your-loved-ones-right-to-choose","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#e8d8c8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/37b92/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/915f2/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/1db5b/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.jpg 1000w,\n/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/37b92/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/a5233/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.webp 500w,\n/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/1dd10/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.webp 1000w,\n/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/de019/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":2023}}},"excerpt":"As a loved one grows older, or lives with a condition such as dementia, families sometimes find themselves worrying about decision-making. Who decides what is best? And, importantly, is my loved one's right to make their own choices still respected and protected?\n\nIt is a sensitive and genuinely important area, guided both by law and by a deep respect for the person at the heart of it. Here is how our carers approach mental capacity, and how we protect your loved one's right to choose for themse","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"}]}},"pageContext":{"slug":"winter-safety-for-older-adults","publicPath":"/blog/winter-safety-for-older-adults/","tagSlug":"safety-health-and-wellbeing","feature_image":"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.jpg"}},"staticQueryHashes":["1371987667","1706655005"]}