Warmth, Companionship and Confidence: The Benefits of Live-In Care This Winter

Stay Safe and Supported This Winter: Why Live-In Care Can Make All the Difference

As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, winter can bring extra challenges for older people — from keeping warm and safe to maintaining wellbeing and social connection.

At Home Instead Portsmouth, we understand how the winter months can impact daily life. Icy pavements, darker evenings, and seasonal illnesses can make it harder for older adults to remain independent and confident at home. That’s why our live-in care service offers complete peace of mind — ensuring round-the-clock support, warmth, and companionship when it’s needed most.

The Winter Challenge for Older People

Winter can be a particularly vulnerable time, especially for those living alone or managing health conditions such as dementia, reduced mobility, or frailty. Common concerns include:

- Increased risk of falls due to slippery paths or reduced daylight.

- Difficulty keeping warm and managing heating costs.

- Reduced access to medical or pharmacy visits during bad weather.

- Loneliness and isolation as social activities and family visits decrease.

Each of these factors can affect both physical and emotional wellbeing — but with the right support in place, winter can still be a season of comfort and connection.

The Benefits of Live-In Care This Winter:

Live-in care means having a carefully matched Care Professional living in your home, providing one-to-one support that’s tailored entirely to your routine and preferences. It’s a safe, flexible alternative to residential care — especially valuable in colder months.

Here’s why:

1. Warmth, Safety and Reassurance

With a dedicated Care Professional living in the home, there’s always someone on hand to offer help, reassurance and practical support throughout the day and night. From preparing hot meals and managing medications to keeping the home warm and well-lit, our Care Professionals provide complete peace of mind — especially when the weather turns cold.

2. Continuity of Care

Unlike visiting care or residential settings where staff rotate, our live-in service in Portsmouth provides consistency — the same trusted face offering reliable care, conversation, and companionship every day.

3. Protection from Winter Illness

With fewer external visitors and less travel required, live-in care reduces exposure to seasonal viruses such as flu and COVID-19. Care Professionals also help to monitor early signs of illness and ensure medications are taken correctly.

4. Emotional and Social Connection

Dark evenings can feel long and lonely. Having a live-in Care Professional provides companionship, conversation, and shared activities — from making a cup of tea together to watching favourite programmes.

5. Peace of Mind for Families

Knowing a loved one is never alone offers huge reassurance, particularly for families living further afield or those balancing work and caring responsibilities.

Why Choose Home Instead Portsmouth?

We’re proud to be Portsmouth’s only home care provider rated Outstanding by the CQC since 2020, recognising our commitment to compassionate, personalised care.

Our live-in service offers:

- A local, Portsmouth-based team providing hands-on support and supervision.

- Carefully matched Care Professionals who share similar interests and values.

- Flexible care plans that can adapt to changing needs — short-term winter cover or ongoing support.

- Training and quality standards recognised nationally, including the Princess Royal Training Award for Dementia and End-of-Life Care.

Whether it’s keeping the home warm, providing nutritious meals, or simply being a friendly face through the darker months, our team ensures older people in Portsmouth can live well — come rain, frost, or shine.

Thinking About Live-In Care This Winter?

If you’re considering live-in care for yourself or a loved one, now is the perfect time to plan ahead.
Our friendly team will take the time to understand your situation and match you with the right Care Professional.


Home Instead Portsmouth – Outstanding care, all winter long.