Your mom always complains about feeling cold. It’s not surprising. As you age, your body has a harder time maintaining the internal temperature. Skin is thinner, and fat stores decrease.
She keeps turning up her thermostat. You’re worried about her heating bills, but she keeps saying she’s cold and wants it higher. How can you help her feel warmer as winter’s frigid temperatures arrive?
Stock Her Closet With Layers
Dressing in layers helps trap the body heat. Make sure your mom’s closet and drawers are filled with items she can wear in layers. A camisole under a long-sleeved t-shirt is going to keep her warming than just the t-shirt. If she wears a cardigan over that t-shirt, she’ll be warmer.
The other benefit of wearing layers is that she can remove them if she gets too warm. If she’s too cold again, it’s easy to put the cardigan back on.
She can also layer her pants. A pair of tights under her pants will keep her legs warmer. Thicker socks and slippers will keep her warmer than just socks or just slippers.
Weatherproof Her Home
A draftier room can make your mom cold. Draft blockers at exterior doors are one way to stop drafts. Replace weatherstripping around doors and windows. If there is missing caulk leading to drafts, add new caulk.
Plastic film kits that fit over windows can be easily installed in the fall using some scissors and a hairdryer. They’ll block drafts on older windows.
Purchase a Safe Space Heater
Put space heaters in rooms where your mom spends most of her time. If she sits in the den all day, she could have a space heater turned on to warm up that room rather than the entire house. When you purchase a space heater, look for one that turns off automatically if it’s bumped or tips over.
Buy a unit that automatically turns on and off when the thermostat reaches the correct temperature. You could consider buying an entertainment center that has an electric fireplace to make your mom feel like she’s sitting near a toasty fire. Remote-controlled heaters may be easier for your mom to use.
Make sure she has the support she needs with daily activities by booking services with a local home care agency. Her caregiver can help her dress appropriately for the weather.
With home care companionship services, she’s never alone on walks outside or when she’s out shopping. She’ll be dressed in the proper winter apparel, which will help her stay warm. Call a home care agency to schedule services.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Denver, CO, call the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Denver today. 303-756-9322
