Almost half of people in England increase the assistance they provide older relatives during the winter, according to research.

A survey carried out by not-for-profit care provider Greensleeves Care found 47% of adults increase the support they provide during the winter, particularly with shopping, social visits and household tasks, while 14% said they “significantly increase” support.

Help with shopping (50%), paying social visits (46%) and support with household tasks like cleaning (40%) top the list, followed by cooking and organising meals (35%), transport (32%), assisting with mobility (24%) and offering financial support (21%).

The survey found  62% of people report feeling more concerned about the welfare of their older relatives in the winter. Health issues (40%), loneliness (38%), mobility (35%), keeping warm (34%) and safety (33%) are cited as the top areas of care-related worries.

Worries about the wellbeing of older relatives increase stress and anxiety (35%), drive changes to routine (30%), limit personal activities and leisure (25%) and affect sleep (21%). Women are more impacted, with 41% reporting increased stress and anxiety compared to 28% of men.

Greensleeves Care’s Warmth of Care campaign offers free information and support for families worried about older relatives. It aims to help them identify changing support needs, approach the subject of care with loved ones and make confident choices.

Paul Newman, chief executive of Greensleeves Care, said: “Winter is a prime opportunity to spot for changes in the care needs of our older relatives and friends. Organisations like us can help anyone feeling worried to start thinking about, and planning for, care support well before reaching crisis point.”