When the weather turns colder, the risks facing older people — particularly those living with dementia – quietly increase. Winter brings more than a drop in temperature; it brings a rise in confusion, anxiety, illness and avoidable harm. For many residents, the cold can affect their physical and cognitive wellbeing long before it’s noticed by staff or family. This is why winter planning in care homes must be proactive, not reactive.
People living with dementia often struggle to recognise that they are cold or dehydrated. They may not feel the drop in temperature in the same way as others, and they may be unable to clearly express discomfort. Hypothermia, urinary infections, increased agitation, and a higher risk of falls are all more common during colder months. Care homes need to anticipate these challenges and adjust day-to-day practice so that residents remain safe, warm and well.
Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV) supports many families at this time of year, with winter often bringing a rise in concerns around sudden health changes, unwitnessed incidents and increased frailty. Families contact us when they notice their loved one becoming more confused, unwell or unsettled, and we work closely with them and with care providers to ensure the right safeguarding steps and appropriate support are in place. The colder the weather, the more fragile a person living with dementia can become, and early intervention is vital.
Regular temperature checks in bedrooms and communal areas are essential, a room that feels fine to staff can be far too cold for a resident who spends long periods sitting or resting. Ensuring residents wear appropriate layers, have extra blankets within reach and are supported to stay hydrated throughout the day can make a significant difference. Warm drinks offered routinely, not just at set times, can reduce the risk of dehydration and infection.
The environment also matters. A warm room can feel unsettling if lighting is harsh or shadows are sharp, as winter daylight fades quickly. Softer lighting, familiar objects and a calm atmosphere help reduce anxiety, especially during late afternoon when sundowning behaviours are more common. Staff should be supported to recognise early signs of discomfort: residents withdrawing, rubbing their hands, becoming unusually restless, or refusing food can all signal that they are cold.
Nutrition requires particular attention at this time of year. Warm, easy-to-manage meals and snacks offered at flexible intervals support both comfort and energy levels. For people with reduced appetite or swallowing concerns, small, warm portions given more often can encourage better intake. Families should be reassured that their loved one’s nutritional needs are being monitored closely through the winter months, and informed promptly if anything changes.
It’s also important to recognise the emotional impact of colder weather. Residents may go outside less, see fewer visitors and feel more isolated. Bringing elements of the outdoors inside – greenery, bird feeders by windows, or simple sensory activities – helps maintain connection and reduces the sense of being closed in. Staff spending that extra minute to chat or offer reassurance can soften what is often a difficult season for people living with dementia.
Most importantly, winter planning should be shared planning. Open communication between care teams, families and professionals ensures that everyone understands what support is needed and what signs to watch for. CCFTV continues to hear from families who are anxious about their relatives becoming unwell during cold spells, particularly where frailty and dementia are combined. Transparent communication, early intervention and a calm, consistent approach help build trust and prevent avoidable crises.
Colder months will always bring added pressures, but with the right awareness and practical steps, care homes can keep older people with dementia safe, warm and settled. Winter does not need to be a season of increased risk – it can be a season of strengthened vigilance, thoughtful support and meaningful reassurance for both residents and families.
