As autumn settles in, the change in weather can bring new challenges for older people living at home. Wet leaves, darker evenings and colder temperatures can make getting around more difficult – and as we move towards winter, frost and ice can increase the risk of slips and falls.

The good news is that a few simple changes at home and a little extra support can make a real difference to safety and confidence.

Start by making the home safer

Falls don’t just happen outside. Everyday items around the home can become trip hazards, particularly for someone whose mobility, eyesight or balance has changed.

Take a walk around your loved one’s home and look at the areas they use most. Are the routes between their favourite chair, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom clear and easy to navigate?

Things to look out for include:

• Loose rugs and mats

• Trailing cables

• Clutter in hallways and walkways

• Poor lighting, particularly around stairs

• Slippery bathroom and kitchen floors

• Frequently used items stored out of easy reach

• Loose-fitting or worn-out slippers

Small changes, such as moving a rug, improving lighting or putting everyday items somewhere easier to reach, can help someone move around their home with greater confidence.

Prepare for wetter, colder weather

As autumn progresses across Sandbach, Congleton and Macclesfield, wet leaves and rain can make paths, steps and driveways slippery. Later in the season, frost and ice can create additional hazards.

Keeping paths clear of leaves and using salt or grit when conditions become icy can help reduce the risk.

If an older person isn’t able to do this safely themselves, this is a good opportunity for family, friends or neighbours to help. No one should put themselves at risk trying to clear a slippery or icy path.

It can also be useful to think ahead. Who could pop round to clear the path after a particularly cold night? Is there some grit or salt available before it’s needed? A little preparation now can make things much easier when winter arrives.

Check shoes and slippers

Suitable footwear can make a big difference to stability.

Outdoor shoes should fit securely and have a good grip, particularly when paths are wet or slippery. It’s also worth checking the condition of the shoes an older person regularly wears – soles can become worn without us really noticing.

Don’t forget footwear inside the home either. Comfortable slippers may be a favourite, but if they’re loose-fitting, worn or have slippery soles, they could increase the risk of a trip.

Help older loved ones continue getting out

Preventing falls shouldn’t mean encouraging an older person to stay indoors throughout autumn and winter.

Getting out can be important for maintaining independence, activity and social connections. The key is recognising when a little extra support might be helpful.

Whether it’s popping into Congleton for some shopping, attending an appointment in Macclesfield or meeting someone for a coffee in Sandbach, having company can provide extra confidence when the weather isn’t at its best.

Before heading out, check the weather, allow plenty of time and consider whether there’s a safer route. If conditions are particularly icy, it may be better to rearrange a non-essential trip rather than take an unnecessary risk.

How can you help an older person at home?

Supporting someone to stay safe doesn’t mean taking away their independence or doing everything for them.

Instead, think about the small things you can do with them or for them that remove unnecessary risks while allowing them to continue doing the things they can safely manage themselves.

You might:

• Check that regularly used areas are clear and well-lit

• Move everyday items somewhere they can reach easily

• Check shoes and slippers for fit and grip

• Clear leaves from paths and steps

• Arrange for paths to be gritted during icy weather

• Offer to accompany them when they go out

• Encourage regular, appropriate movement around the home

• Check in more frequently during particularly cold weather

It’s also important to talk to your loved one. Ask whether there are places in their home where they feel less steady or tasks they’ve started finding more difficult. You may discover something relatively simple that can be changed.

Keep moving where possible

It can be tempting to move less when we’re worried about falling, but staying active is important for maintaining strength, balance and mobility as we get older.

As we discussed in the first blog in our As Autumn Turns to Winter series, gentle, appropriate movement at home can help older people maintain their strength and independence.

This could be as simple as regularly getting up from a chair, walking around the house or doing suitable seated movements.

The right level of activity will be different for everyone. Older people should work within their own abilities and follow any individual advice they’ve received from a healthcare professional.

💚 How Ablewell can help

For families across Sandbach, Congleton, Macclesfield and the surrounding areas, having someone regularly visiting an older loved one can provide valuable reassurance as the weather gets colder.

Our carers can support clients to move safely around their homes, encourage appropriate activity and help ensure frequently used areas are comfortable and free from obvious obstacles.

They can also accompany clients when going out, help them dress appropriately for the weather, prepare nutritious meals and hot drinks, provide companionship and make sure the home is warm and comfortable.

Sometimes it’s these everyday things – and having someone there to notice when something has changed – that can make a real difference to helping an older person feel safe, confident and independent at home.

If you’re considering extra support for a loved one this autumn and winter, contact Ablewell today to arrange an assessment and find out how we can help them remain safe and independent in their own home.