Helping a loved one with mobility issues stay safe in winter is about planning ahead, making the environment safer, and preserving their independence and dignity.
Start with a safety plan
Talk together about what winter changes: icy steps, shorter days, and colder temperatures that stiffen joints and slow reaction times. Decide in advance what conditions mean “we stay in today,” how you will get groceries and medications, and who they can call if you cannot get there. Keep an updated list of emergency contacts by the phone and in their wallet. Schedule regular check‑ins (daily texts or calls during storms). Arrange backup transportation for medical appointments in case roads are bad.
Make the home winter‑friendly
Small home tweaks can dramatically reduce fall risk when it’s wet and icy outside.
Add bright lighting at entries, stairways, and hallways; use night‑light’s on common routes like bed to bathroom.
Place non‑slip mats inside doors where snow and water collect, and quickly wipe up any puddles from boots or walkers.
Clear clutter from floors and widen pathways for walkers or wheelchairs.
Consider grab bars near steps, in bathrooms, and by frequently used chairs.
Tackle snow, ice, and outdoor routes
For many people with mobility issues, the most dangerous “activity” is simply getting to the car or mailbox once snow arrives.
Arrange reliable snow and ice removal: family, neighbors, paid services, or community volunteers.
Keep paths short and direct from door to car, mailbox, or trash bins so they are easier to keep clear.
Use pet‑safe or concrete‑safe de‑icer and add sand or kitty litter where ice lingers.
Encourage using cleared sidewalks and ramps instead of cutting through snow banks, which hide uneven ground.
Example: Instead of shoveling the whole driveway, clear a wide “lane” from the door to where your loved one gets into the car, and keep that one lane salted and sanded all season. Support safer movement and mobility aids
Winter often makes existing mobility challenges worse, so it’s worth fine‑tuning how your loved one moves and which tools they use.
Footwear: Choose warm, waterproof boots or shoes with non‑slip rubber soles and low heels; avoid smooth leather or worn‑down treads.
Pace: Encourage slow, shuffling steps, feet slightly apart, and using railings or your arm for support.
Hands free: Offer to carry bags so they can focus on balance, not juggling items.
Mobility aids:
Add ice tips or grippers to canes and walkers; replace worn rubber tips.
For wheelchairs and scooters, check tire tread and brakes, and avoid unplowed areas.
Don’t rush transfers in and out of cars; have them sit fully, swing both legs in, or reverse this when getting out while you stabilize them.
Keep them warm, connected, and empowered
Safety is not just physical; it’s emotional. Winter can be isolating, especially when mobility is limited.
Dress in layers: thermal base layer, warm mid‑layer, wind‑ and water‑resistant outer layer, plus hat, scarf, and insulated gloves.
Protect extremities: consider hand warmers and warm blankets for wheelchair users or anyone who sits still for long periods.
Watch for warning signs: unusual sleepiness, confusion, shivering that won’t stop, or very cold, pale skin may signal hypothermia—seek medical help.
Combat isolation: schedule regular visits, set up easy video calls, and involve them in decisions about outings instead of dictating what they “can’t” do.
Above all, focus on partnership: ask what feels hardest for them in winter, listen closely, and co‑create routines that keep them both safe and as independent as possible.