Heating, injury and health greatest winter concerns for families with older loved ones

As temperatures in the UK begin to plummet and hospitals brace for a once-in-a-decade flu surge this winter, new data released today by Elder reveals that a lack of heating, followed by injury and health, are the top concerns for families with older loved ones this cold season.

Responses from more than 500 families were gathered by the UK’s leading home care platform as part of its annual Winter Concerns Survey.

More than 27 per cent of survey respondents were concerned an elderly loved one would be unable to afford, or due to inadequate support, be unable to keep themselves warm at home.
Recent data from the UK Parliament's Office of Science and Technology (POST) Winter Mortality report found that cold UK homes in 2024-25 caused 21.5 per cent of excess winter deaths, while fuel poverty directly led to 10 per cent of these deaths.

Twenty per cent of survey respondents listed injury as their top concern for an older loved one, worried they would slip, fall, or sustain an injury at home. NHS data shows that one in ten residents aged 85+ were admitted to hospital in 2024 due to a fall.

More than 18 per cent of survey respondents cited health and illness as their greatest concern, worried their elderly loved one’s health would decline rapidly, be it from the flu, COVID-19, a severe respiratory illness, or another condition.

Elder’s survey comes as UK hospitals witness an early flu season, and POST’s Winter Morality report revealing that flu-related deaths more than doubled from 3,555 in 2023-24 to 7,757 in 2024-25.

In light of this data, Elder has partnered with Age UK London and Carents to heighten community awareness regarding the two million people in England over the age of 75 who live alone, at risk of falls, fuel poverty and sickness. Elder has also commissioned resources with its clinical team and Age UK London to safeguard older loved ones from the cold and winter illnesses.

Elder Founder and CEO Pete Dowds said it would take a village to support the elderly this winter, and that awareness coupled with timely advice and resources could help those most vulnerable to stay healthy and warm.

“The results from Elder’s survey reaffirm how vital it is that families and communities stay proactive and vigilant in regards to the well-being of older adults,” he said.

“Small acts of awareness, such as checking in, noticing changes, offering support or sharing reliable information can be the difference between life and death this winter.“At Elder, we believe safeguarding older people’s health is not just a clinical effort but a collective one. This winter, we’re encouraging families and communities to look out for the most vulnerable and use the practical guidance available to keep them safe and well.”

Age UK London Chair Tony Burch said that Elder’s survey reflected what Age UK London sees across London every winter.

“Families want to protect their loved ones but may not always know where to turn,” he said.“Cold weather has a significant impact on older people’s health, particularly those living with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

“Preventative steps, such as staying warm, ensuring vaccinations are up to date, and getting the right support at home, can make a real difference.”

Dr Jackie Gray, GP and Carents Founder, said that older adults were more vulnerable to illness during the winter months and the burden this can place on carers is substantial.“This is particularly true for carents, the more than four million adult children in Britain who provide unpaid care for their elderly parents,” she said.“This winter, small changes such as keeping a loved one warm, good nutrition, re-ordering medication and staying connected to the community can make a big difference to a parent’s wellbeing.

“Carents can find useful tools, community networks, and professional guidance via our Carents Room”.

Elder has developed a winter concerns resource hub with free clinical advice and information to support services for older adults and their families.