Dec 29, 2025 in News Legal News

Legal News: Falls, Fractures and Frostbite in Long-Term Care: Winter Hazards in Nursing & Retirement Homes

Winter in Canada is beautiful, but anyone familiar with our climate knows how quickly snow and ice can turn dangerous—especially for vulnerable residents living in long-term care (LTC) and retirement homes. While slips, fractures, and frostbite are often viewed as “seasonal risks,” many families don’t realize that a significant portion of winter injuries in LTC settings are preventable.

When walkways aren’t cleared, staff fail to follow proper transfer procedures, or residents are left unsupervised near icy areas, these aren’t accidents—they may be signs of neglect.

This article takes a closer look at common winter-related hazards in long-term care environments, how these incidents happen, and what families can do when red flags start appearing.

Why Winter Is Especially Dangerous for Seniors in Care

Seniors in LTC and retirement homes face mobility challenges, impaired balance, chronic health conditions, and slower reaction times. Add snow, ice, slush, and sub-zero temperatures into the mix, and the risk multiplies.

But the real issue isn’t the weather—it’s whether the facility takes winter safety seriously.

Homes are expected to follow strict standards for:

• Clearing snow and ice from outdoor pathways
• Providing safe indoor flooring conditions
• Ensuring proper footwear and mobility assistance
• Supervising residents during transfers and outings
• Monitoring for early signs of frostbite or cold stress

When these systems break down, residents face serious harm that should never occur under attentive, responsible care.

1. Slips and Falls: The Most Common Winter Injury in LTC

Even a small patch of ice can cause a devastating fall for an elderly resident. Hip fractures, head injuries, and spinal trauma are common in winter-related incidents—and they can significantly impact quality of life.

Common causes of preventable falls include:

• Uncleared parking lots, sidewalks, and walkways
• Wet or slushy floors inside the building
• Inadequate lighting near entrances or ramps
• Failure to assist residents who require help walking
• Staff rushing transfers or using improper lifting techniques

In many cases, these situations arise due to staffing shortages, lack of training, or poor maintenance protocols—not unavoidable weather conditions.

Families should know that Ontario has very clear expectations for property maintenance in winter. For example, the Ontario 60-Day Slip and Fall Notice Rule outlines important timelines after an incident on icy surfaces. For more insight, a slip and fall lawyer can explain how the 60-day notice rule works and what evidence matters most — see Understanding Ontario’s 60-day slip-and-fall notice requirement .

2. Fractures: A Serious and Often Life-Changing Consequence

A fracture is never “minor” for a senior. Many never fully regain mobility after a broken hip, wrist, or pelvis—injuries that are extremely common after winter falls.

Neglect-related risk factors:

• Staff transferring residents without proper support
• Failing to use lifts or mobility aids
• Leaving residents unattended in slippery areas
• Underestimating a resident’s fall risk
• Ignoring care plans that require two-person assistance

A properly staffed, well-trained care team should never allow a high-risk resident to walk on icy pathways alone, struggle with stairs, or attempt a transfer without assistance.

If your loved one suffered a winter fall, this guide may help you understand what steps to take next: 5 essentials to know about slip-and-fall injuries in winter

3. Frostbite: A Silent and Often Overlooked Danger

It might be surprising, but frostbite in LTC and retirement homes is more common than many families realize.

Residents may develop frostbite or cold-related injuries when:

• They are left outside waiting for transportation
• Doors and patios are not properly supervised
• They wander outside unnoticed
• Staff fail to dress them adequately for outdoor temperatures
• Homes do not have proper protocols for extreme cold alerts

Because seniors often have reduced sensation or circulation issues, they may not feel the cold as quickly, making frostbite a very real risk.

The Government of Canada provides reliable information on frostbite signs and prevention. A useful resource for families and caregivers is: Government of Canada – Frostbite: symptoms, treatment, and prevention

Warning Signs of Neglect in Winter

Families don’t always see the day-to-day operations inside LTC homes, but winter injuries often follow recognizable patterns.

Red flags may include:

• Repeated falls within a short timeframe
• Staff explanations that “don’t add up”
• Outdoor areas that remain icy or snow-covered
• Lack of proper footwear, gloves, or winter clothing
• Residents appearing cold, shivering, or with red/white patches on skin
• Resistance from staff when you request incident reports
• Your loved one suddenly becoming fearful of going outside

What Families Can Do if a Loved One Is Injured

If a senior suffers a fall, fracture, or frostbite injury, immediate action is critical. Many families feel overwhelmed or unsure of what steps to take, especially when dealing with LTC administration.

A practical step-by-step guide can be found here: What to do immediately after a slip and fall accident

When to Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer

If a winter injury happened because the home failed to maintain safe conditions or provide appropriate supervision, families may have grounds to pursue a legal claim.

A personal injury lawyer with experience in elder neglect and long-term care cases can help you:

• Understand whether negligence was involved
• Access medical records and incident reports
• Hold the LTC home accountable
• Secure compensation for medical care, pain, and long-term impacts
• Prevent similar harm from happening to other residents

For families in Ontario, working with personal injury lawyers in Toronto who understand LTC regulations, winter maintenance laws, and elder rights can make an enormous difference in the outcome of a case.

Winter Injuries Are Not Inevitable

Canada’s winters may be harsh, but injuries in long-term care homes should never be dismissed as “just the weather.” Proper planning, attentive supervision, and safe maintenance practices can prevent most falls, fractures, and frostbite cases.

If you believe your loved one is suffering due to neglect—or if recurring winter injuries are raising questions—it’s important to take action early. Speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand whether the home is living up to its obligations and what options you have to protect your family member.

Neglect is preventable. And every resident in LTC deserves a safe, dignified, and well-protected winter.