As fall and winter approaches and temperatures drop, keeping a well-heated home is essential, especially for seniors. For older adults, maintaining a steady, comfortable indoor temperature is important not just for comfort but also for health and safety. Cold weather can worsen chronic conditions, increase the risk of hypothermia, and lead to other serious health problems. Therefore, it’s essential to use effective and safe heating methods to create a warm environment and help prevent these risks.

Why are Old People Always Cold?

Here are a few reasons why older people often feel colder:

• Slower Metabolism: As people age, their metabolism slows down, so their bodies generate less heat. It’s like their internal furnace isn’t running as efficiently as it used to.
• Thinner Skin: With age, skin becomes thinner and less effective at trapping heat, leading to quicker loss of body heat.
• Loss of Muscle Mass: Muscle helps generate body heat. As people get older, they tend to lose muscle mass, which reduces their ability to stay warm.
• Circulation Problems: Many older adults experience reduced circulation. When blood doesn’t flow as well to the extremities, like hands and feet, those areas can feel much colder.
• Medical Conditions: Health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems can interfere with temperature regulation. For instance, arthritis can reduce blood flow to the joints, making them feel colder.
• Medications: Some medications can affect how well the body manages temperature. For example, medications for high blood pressure or other conditions might make someone feel colder than usual.
• Less Physical Activity: Reduced activity levels, common with aging, can contribute to feeling colder. Physical activity helps generate body heat, so less movement means less warmth.

Read Best Winter Safety Tips For Seniors to learn more.

How to Keep the Elderly Warm?

Heating bills can be a big concern for seniors on a fixed income when the cold weather arrives. Fortunately, with some simple adjustments like improving insulation and tweaking the thermostat, staying warm can be affordable and manageable. Here are some simple home heating techniques for seniors:

Maintain a Consistent Room Temperature

For the best comfort, keep your indoor temperature between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C). Older adults might need it a bit warmer to stay comfortable, so adjust the thermostat accordingly. Investing in a good thermostat, especially a smart one, can make managing the temperature easier and more precise. These devices can be programmed to keep a steady temperature and controlled from your phone. Also, to prevent chilly drafts, make sure to seal any gaps around windows and doors. Using draft stoppers or weather stripping can help keep the cold out and maintain a snug atmosphere indoors.

Ensure Proper Insulation

One important way to keep seniors warm is by making sure their home is properly insulated. Inspect the insulation levels in walls and ceilings–if they’re inadequate, consider adding more insulation so they don’t continue losing heat through those surfaces. Additionally, check windows and doors for drafts; seal any gaps with caulk or weatherstripping tape where needed. Finally, make sure there’s enough insulation around pipes and water tanks to prevent freezing temperatures from damaging them during the winter months.

Check Air Filters

A simple HVAC maintenance action you can take is to change the air filter regularly. Not only does a clogged filter reduce the efficiency of your heating or cooling system, but it can also compromise the quality of air in your home or building. It is recommended to inspect the filter every thirty days and replace it whenever it is visibly dirty and unable to trap particles adequately. Doing so not only helps promote energy efficiency, but also allows your senior loved one to keep their home warmer without increasing energy bills.

Invest in Foil Heat Reflectors

Heating a home efficiently and affordably can be challenging, particularly in older homes. However, there is a simple way to make radiators more energy efficient that can help you save money. By installing aluminum foil heat reflectors behind your radiators, you can reflect the heat back into the room instead of losing it through the walls. This means that your loved one will get warmer air in their rooms but use less energy in doing so. Investing in such an easy and straightforward solution can result in significant energy savings in the long-term.

Replace Old Radiators (If Necessary)

Investing in modernizing the radiators in your loved one’s home is an efficient and cost-effective solution for helping them stay comfortable while keeping heating costs at bay. By replacing outdated models with more modern versions, you can reduce energy use significantly due to better performance. This can translate into tremendous savings as the new generations of radiators warm up much faster than their predecessors and experience less heat loss into the walls. Investing in updated radiators can not only save you money over time, but also bring a cozier atmosphere to your senior’s living space.

Invest in Warm Clothes

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to keep seniors warm is by investing in some cozy clothing. Layering up is key here–think long johns, sweaters, socks, and other items that will help them maintain body heat. If possible, buy fabrics like wool or flannel, as these materials are naturally warmer than synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon. If your loved one currently works with an elderly home care provider, make sure that person is aware of these warmer clothing options so they can help your senior dress accordingly throughout the day.

Use a Heating Timer

To maximize the efficiency of your efforts, consider using a timer to control when heat is and isn’t running in the home. A timer-controlled system allows you to have the temperature set according to what suits the time of the day, ensuring that excess heat isn’t being wasted when it isn’t necessary. This means that your loved one’s house stays at an optimal temperature with less energy being consumed than normal.

Utilize Heating Devices

Consider investing in some heating devices designed specifically for seniors’ needs such as electric blankets or space heaters that allow them to be energy efficient while still maintaining a comfortable temperature inside their homes. Look for models that come with safety features such as auto shutoff switches and adjustable thermostats, so you don’t have to worry about overheating if they leave it running overnight or throughout the day when no one else is home. Heating pads can offer localized warmth but should be used with caution to avoid burns.

Sip on Hot Drinks and Savory Meals

To stay warm, sipping on hot beverages like tea, coffee, or cocoa is a great idea. These drinks provide a comforting warmth that helps keep your body temperature up. Eating well also makes a big difference. Enjoying warm, hearty meals like soups, stews, and casseroles not only keeps you cozy but also fuels your body with the nutrients it needs. A mix of proteins, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet will help you stay energized and comfortable throughout the colder months.

Promote Physical Activity

Getting some light exercise or stretching can really help keep you warm. Simple movements boost circulation and generate body heat, which can prevent stiffness and keep you feeling cozy. Engaging in activities like light gardening or indoor hobbies also helps. These activities keep you moving and active, which helps maintain warmth and makes staying comfortable easier throughout the day.

Keeping seniors warm during colder months doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated – these easy home heating techniques can ensure that your elderly family member remains comfortable without breaking the bank. Start by investing in quality warm clothing (wool and flannel fabrics work best), insulating their home against drafts and cold air infiltration, then consider purchasing energy-efficient heating devices such as electric blankets or space heaters with safety features like auto shutoff switches and adjustable thermostats. If those efforts aren’t enough, look into changing out clogged air filters and old radiators to get maximum warmth out of your senior’s HVAC system. An experienced senior home care company can also offer additional solutions and help with implementing any home heating tactics you’ve come up with to keep your loved one warm.

Consult a Doctor

If an elderly individual consistently feels unusually warm, it’s important to seek medical advice. Persistent warmth could be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as thyroid imbalances, infections, or circulatory issues, which can affect the body’s temperature regulation. Additionally, some medications can cause unusual warmth or changes in temperature perception as a side effect. A healthcare professional can conduct a thorough evaluation to identify any potential causes and recommend appropriate treatments or adjustments.

Home Care Help and Assistance

Assisting Hands is a home care agency dedicated to supporting seniors and elderly individuals who need extra help with daily activities. We offer personal assistance and companionship to make everyday life more manageable and enjoyable. Our services include help with tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, as well as providing friendly company.

At Assisting Hands Home Care Palos, we’re committed to helping seniors stay warm and comfortable. Our caregivers make sure the home is cozy by adjusting the temperature and sealing any drafts. They also help with dressing in warm layers and safely using heating devices like electric blankets and space heaters.

We also ensure that seniors enjoy hot, nutritious meals and drinks to keep them warm from the inside. Our caregivers provide medication reminders, help organize pills, and manage refills. They keep an eye out for any changes in health and keep in touch with healthcare providers as needed.

With these services, Assisting Hands helps seniors stay comfortable and well-cared for, making sure their warmth and health needs are always met.

To inquire about elderly home care services offered by Assisting Hands of Palos Heights, get in touch with our experienced team at (773) 207-3767. Our service locations are Tinley Park, Orland Park, Worth, Homer Glen, Romeoville, Lockport, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Crest Hill, Alsip, IL.