The clocks change soon, the evenings are drawing in, and for many older people and the families who support them, winter brings a familiar worry. Colder weather, more illness circulating and more time indoors can all take a toll.

The good news is that a handful of simple steps make a real difference. Here is what we’d suggest thinking about now, before the cold sets in.

1. Check who is eligible for the autumn vaccines

The autumn programmes are already under way in England. Free flu vaccines are available to everyone aged 65 and over, and to adults aged 18 to 64 in clinical risk groups. The NHS aims to vaccinate people close to when flu is expected to circulate, which is why the programme starts in October.

The Covid-19 autumn booster is more targeted. Eligibility covers adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and immunosuppressed people. So someone aged 68 may qualify for the flu jab but not a free Covid booster this year, which catches some families out.

Appointments can be booked through your GP, a participating pharmacy, or the NHS App. The NHS website has an eligibility checker if you’re unsure.

2. Keep the home warm enough

Cold homes are a real health risk for older people. Ageing means it takes longer to warm up, which raises the risk of raised blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

The usual advice is to heat the home to at least 18°C, with the main living room slightly warmer if you prefer. If heating the whole house isn’t affordable, heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing several thin layers keeps you warmer than one thick one, and keeping the bedroom window closed on winter nights helps protect the chest.

If heating bills are a worry, don’t wait until it becomes a crisis. Contact your water and power suppliers about the Priority Services Register, a free service for people in vulnerable situations. Age UK also offers free advice on 0800 169 6565.

3. Don’t ignore small illnesses

Winter colds and sore throats can escalate faster in older people or those with long-term conditions. Treat minor winter ailments early, rather than waiting for them to get worse. Your local pharmacist is often the quickest place to start.

4. Eat regularly and keep moving

Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up through winter, and staying as active as you can matters too. Even gentle stretching helps when moving around is difficult. It’s also a good time of year to check there’s enough food in the house for icy days when going out isn’t safe.

5. Stay connected

Winter can be isolating, especially for someone living alone or with dementia. A regular phone call, a familiar face at the door, or a neighbour who checks in can change how a person feels as well as how safe they are.

Looking in on older neighbours and relatives to make sure they’re warm and well is one of the simplest things any of us can do.

How we can help

At Sacred Heart, we support adults, older people and people living with dementia, mental health conditions and physical disabilities in their own homes, and we now support children and young people too. Winter is often when families realise a little extra help would make a big difference.

If you’re worried about someone this winter, or want to talk through what support could look like, get in touch at sacredhearthealthcare.co.uk.

This article is general information, not medical advice. For health concerns, speak to your GP, pharmacist or NHS 111.