Why Winter Is More Dangerous for People Living With Dementia

Winter can be a challenging time for anyone, but for people living with dementia, the colder months bring increased risks that families may not always recognise. Shorter days, colder temperatures and changes in routine can all have a serious impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of older people with dementia.

Understanding why winter is more dangerous and how the right home care support can help, is essential for keeping loved ones safe, comfortable and supported throughout the season.

How Cold Weather Affects People Living With Dementia

People with dementia often experience difficulty recognising changes in temperature, judging risk or responding appropriately to discomfort. During winter, this can lead to dangerous situations without them realising anything is wrong.

Cold weather can:

• Increase confusion and disorientation

• Worsen memory loss and agitation

• Make it harder to manage daily routines

• Heighten the risk of illness, falls and hospital admissions

Even a slightly cold home can have serious consequences for someone living with dementia.

Increased Risk of Hypothermia in Older People

Older adults are less able to regulate body temperature and dementia can further reduce awareness of feeling cold. Someone may forget to put on warm clothing, avoid turning on the heating or wander outside without appropriate layers.

This significantly increases the risk of hypothermia, which can be life-threatening and may present subtly in older people, with symptoms including:

• Confusion or drowsiness

• Slurred speech

• Shivering or cold skin

• Weakness or lack of coordination

Winter Confusion, Wandering and Disorientation

Winter months often bring:

• Shorter daylight hours

• Poor weather conditions

• Changes in daily routines

For people living with dementia, these changes can increase wandering behaviours and confusion, particularly in the late afternoon and evening.

Poor visibility, icy paths and unfamiliar surroundings can make wandering far more dangerous during winter.

Cold Homes and Dementia: A Hidden Risk

Many older people worry about heating costs and may keep their homes colder than is safe. For someone with dementia, this risk is even greater.

Cold homes are linked to:

• Increased respiratory infections

• Worsening heart conditions

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Heightened confusion and low mood

A cold environment can also increase distress and agitation, making dementia symptoms more difficult to manage.

Illness and Weakened Immunity in Winter

People living with dementia are more vulnerable to winter illnesses such as flu, chest infections and pneumonia. Cold homes and reduced mobility increase these risks, and dementia can make it harder to communicate early symptoms.

Without regular checks, illness may go unnoticed until it becomes serious.

Why Routine and Reassurance Matter More in Winter

People with dementia rely heavily on routine and familiarity. Winter weather can disrupt:

• Normal activities

• Social interaction

• Medical appointments

• Daily habits

These disruptions can lead to increased anxiety, agitation and withdrawal. Consistent care, familiar faces and regular reassurance are vital during colder months.

How Home Care Helps Keep People With Dementia Safe in Winter

Home care plays a crucial role in supporting people with dementia during winter, while allowing them to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.

At Homelium, our dementia-trained carers help by:

• Ensuring homes are warm and safe

• Supporting with appropriate clothing and bedding

• Preparing hot meals and drinks

• Providing medication reminders

• Offering consistent companionship and reassurance

• Monitoring changes in behaviour, health or mood

For families, home care provides peace of mind knowing someone is regularly checking in and responding to changes early.

Supporting Families and Reducing Carer Stress

Winter can be overwhelming for family carers, especially when supporting a loved one with dementia. Home care can provide much-needed respite, guidance and support, helping families feel less alone during a challenging season.

Even short visits or companionship care can make a meaningful difference.

When to Consider Extra Support

You may want to explore home care support if your loved one:

• Lives alone

• Struggles to manage heating or clothing

• Appears more confused during winter

• Has had recent falls or illness

• Seems isolated or low in mood

Early support can prevent small issues from becoming emergencies.

How Homelium Can Help

Homelium provides high-quality, person-centred dementia and home care services, tailored to support older people safely through winter.

We offer:

• Dementia-trained carers

• Flexible home care and companionship services

• Free care consultations

• 2 hours of free care, with no obligation

Our goal is to help people living with dementia stay safe, warm and supported in their own homes, while giving families confidence and reassurance.

Final Thoughts

Winter brings hidden dangers for people living with dementia, but with the right awareness and support, these risks can be significantly reduced.

If you’re concerned about a loved one this winter, you don’t have to manage it alone. Homelium is here to support both you and your family, every step of the way.

📞 Contact Homelium today to arrange a free dementia care consultation by calling 0333 3448 677