Our care teams see the same pattern every winter: a handful of small, easy-to-miss details turn ordinary days into emergency-room visits. If you’re helping an older family member stay comfortable at home, keep an eye on these five trouble-spots. A little planning now often saves a dash to the ED later.
1. Damp Doorways
Morning dew and dripping umbrellas leave glossy tiles and timber as slick as black ice. One mis-step at the threshold is all it takes.
What helps:
- Keep a thick, quick-dry mat inside and out.
- Stash a towel near the door to mop up puddles as soon as they appear.
- Park umbrellas in a stand rather than letting them drip across the hall.
2. The "Cold Shock" Bathroom
Moving from a warm bedroom into a chilly bathroom can trigger a head-rush that ends in a fall.
What helps:
- Warm the room with a quick blast from a portable fan heater.
- Swap thin bathmats for thicker, rubber-backed versions that grip the floor.
- Sit for a minute after showering - wrapping in a towel robe - before standing to dress.
3. Winter Medication Shuffle
Chest infections, joint flare-ups and new pain prescriptions pile up on the usual tablet routine. More pills means more chances to miss or double a dose.
What helps:
- Ask your pharmacist for a weekly packed dose box so everything sits in one strip.
- Pair tablet times with daily habits - breakfast, evening news etc - so they're easier to remember.
- Keep a current medication list on the fridge; handy for family or a visiting GP.
4. Heater Hiccups
Portable heaters make a room snug, but older models tip easily and can dry the air enough to irritate lungs.
What helps:
- Choose a modern unit with an automatic tip-over switch.
- Position in clear of bedding and curtains, and turn it off before sleep.
- Keep a small jug of water or a plant in the room to soften the dry heat.
5. Dry-Air Dehydration
Cold weather masks thirst, and many seniors sip less to avoid nighttime bathroom trips. Dehydration sets the stage for urinary infections and dizzy spells.
What helps:
Aim for six to eight cups of fluid spread through the day - warm lemon water, herbal tea and broths all count.
Check the colour of urine: pale straw is good; darker shades usually mean it's time for a drink.
How Reliant Keeps Winter Simple
Our nurses and carers work in hundreds of homes every week, spotting these hazards early and nudging small tweaks that fit seamlessly into a client's routine. No renovations, no upheaval - just practical support that lets people keep living the life they love.
If you'd like an extra pair of eyes on winter safety - or just a friendly check-in - give us a ring.
(02) 9362 5500
Stay warm, stay steady, and enjoy the season from the comfort of home.
