As winter conditions intensify across the UK, hospitals and care homes are facing renewed pressure from cold-related illness, infections, and delayed discharges, with older adults disproportionately affected.
Noble Live-In Care, part of the CCH Group – the UK’s largest home care provider – is warning that many families are unaware that 24-hour live-in care at home is available, even during periods of acute winter pressure.
And this lack of awareness can lead to avoidable hospital admissions or default decisions to move into residential care at a time when both hospitals and care homes are already under significant strain.
Colder temperatures, icy conditions, and shorter daylight hours significantly increase the risk of falls, respiratory infections, and complications from existing health conditions in older people.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), excess winter illness and mortality remain closely linked to cold homes, respiratory disease, and cardiovascular strain among those aged 65 and over.
And financial pressures are compounding these risks.
Rising electricity and gas costs mean many older people are unable to keep their homes adequately heated, increasing discomfort and vulnerability to infection.
Cold indoor environments are known to exacerbate respiratory and circulatory conditions, contributing to higher rates of winter hospital admission.
According to Age UK, between 2021-2022 there were 223,101 hospital admissions for falls among people aged 65 and over, with 146,934 admissions involving those aged 80 and above. And these risks increase during winter due to icy outdoor conditions, reduced mobility, and lower indoor temperatures.
A briefing from the British Geriatrics Society shows that older people account for around 40% of all hospital admissions and 62% of hospital bed days.
Winter pressures, including flu, chest infections, and cold-weather injuries, further intensify the demand on NHS services.
NHS England reports that, during winter periods, more than one in eight general and acute hospital beds are occupied by patients who are medically fit for discharge, but unable to leave due to a lack of onward care.
These delayed discharges reduce bed availability and increase pressure across the system during peak winter demand.
At the same time, care homes are facing their own challenges, including increased demand, winter illness outbreaks, and workforce pressures.
As a result, families often feel they have limited options when an older relative’s needs escalate suddenly during colder months.
Noble Live-In Care warns that live-in care is frequently overlooked as a practical winter solution.
Live-in care provides continuous, personalised support at home, helping to reduce fall risk, monitor health, support daily routines, and ensure homes remain warm and safe.
And, for people with dementia or long-term conditions, staying in familiar surroundings during winter can help reduce distress, confusion, and deterioration.
Kirsty Prendiville Lawes, operations manager at Noble Live-In Care, said: “Winter is when coping becomes significantly harder for older people.
“Colder homes, seasonal illness, higher stress levels, and reduced mobility all increase the risk of hospital admission.
“At the same time, hospitals and care homes are under severe pressure.
“Live-in care can provide a safe and immediate alternative by supporting people at home and helping prevent avoidable admissions.”
Crucially, live-in care can often be arranged quickly.
Noble Live-In Care can put 24-hour support in place in as little as 24 hours, enabling families to respond to sudden winter health changes without unnecessary hospital stays.
Prendiville Lawes said: “Awareness is critical, particularly during winter.
“Families, clinicians, and discharge teams need to know that live-in care exists as an option.
“It can help keep people out of hospital, free up beds, and avoid crisis-driven decisions that push people into residential care by default.”