Winter often brings beautiful snowy mornings and picturesque landscapes, but it also brings hazardous walkways, colder rooms, and additional challenges for older adults and people with limited mobility.

At Gerould’s, we believe your home should always be a place where you feel safe, confident, and independent all year long. With a bit of forethought and a few smart modifications, you can dramatically reduce winter risks and enjoy the season with peace of mind.

Below are seven essential upgrades for the winter months inspired by our home safety experts and aligned with best practices for fall prevention and accessibility.

1. Install Sturdy Handrails and Grab Bars

Ice and snow increase the chance of slipping. This is especially true for outdoor steps, entryways, and high‑traffic areas indoors.

Adding handrails and grab bars provides something secure to hold onto when surfaces are wet, uneven, or slick.

Where to install them:

  • Both sides of stairways
  • Inside and outside entry doors
  • Bathrooms (near the shower, tub, and toilet)
  • Long hallways and transitional spaces

These supports go a long way toward preventing winter falls and improving overall stability — not just during the winter months.

2. Add Non‑Slip Flooring and Mats

Wet boots, melting snow, and icy entryways can quickly turn hardwood and tile floors into hazards. Non‑slip materials make everyday movement safer.

Winter‑friendly options:

  • Non‑slip bathroom and kitchen mats
  • Anti‑slip tread strips on stairs
  • Textured mats for entrances and mudrooms
  • Grip coatings for outdoor ramps and walkways

These small upgrades add big protection — especially for older and/or disabled adults at higher fall risk.

3. Upgrade to Bright, Energy‑Efficient LED Lighting

Shorter days mean less natural lighting, which can make it harder to see obstacles or uneven flooring.

Consider updating your lighting in:

  • Hallways
  • Stairways
  • Entryways
  • Garage or carport areas
  • Outdoor paths, patios, and porches

LED bulbs provide brighter, clearer light, and improved visibility in key safety areas. As an added benefit, they also help reduce eye strain.

4. Weatherproof Doors and Windows to Block Drafts

Cold drafts don’t just make your home uncomfortable; they can increase the risk of catching a chill that can lead to a full-blown sickness, especially for people with compromised circulation.

Simple winter upgrades include:

  • Weatherstripping around door frames
  • Caulking cracks in window seals
  • Adding door sweeps
  • Using thermal curtains

Better insulation also helps your home’s heating system work more efficiently, keeping indoor temperatures stable and safe while also reducing your monthly utility bills.

5. Install a Ramp or Improve an Existing One

Snow and ice make steps especially dangerous in the winter. A properly installed ramp offers a safer, smoother alternative to enter and exit your home whether you use a mobility device or simply want a more stable surface.

Look for:

  • Non‑slip surfaces
  • Handrails
  • Adequate lighting
  • Proper drainage to prevent ice build‑up

If you already have a ramp, Gerould’s can help with seasonal safety checks.

Browse Our Mobility Options

6. Enhance Bathroom Safety for Cold‑Weather Comfort

Bathrooms are one of the most common fall‑risk areas year‑round, and winter only makes them even more hazardous.

Helpful modifications include:

Warm, well‑lit, accessible bathrooms reduce the risk of sudden chills, slips, and mobility strain.

7. Prepare Heating Equipment & Emergency Supplies

Winter storms can cause power outages and steep, sudden temperature drops, both of which pose additional risks for older and/or disabled adults.

Consider:

  • Having your heating system inspected
  • Using space heaters with automatic shut‑off features
  • Keeping blankets and emergency kits accessible
  • Ensuring pathways to heating controls are clear and well‑lit

If you rely on any electrical medical equipment, make sure backup power options are in place.

Winter Safety Starts with a Safer Home

The winter months don’t have to slow you down. With the right home modifications, you can maintain independence, reduce fall risks, and stay warm and comfortable — and most importantly, safe — all season long.

At Gerould’s, we’re here to help you live at home longer with:

  • Free in‑home safety consultations
  • Customized accessibility recommendations
  • Professional installation of ramps, grab bars, stair lifts, and more

Need help preparing your home for winter? Contact our team today! We’d love to help you create a safer, more accessible space for the season ahead.

Contact Gerould's Today