7 Ways to Stay Warm Without Breaking the Bank

With the temperatures dropping, some seniors may be looking for ways that they can stay warm without spending too much money. This is a concern for many older people who receive elder care in their homes and might be on a fixed or limited income.

Elderly Care in Bridgehampton NY: Senior Staying Warm Tips

While it would be easy and convenient to just crank up the thermostat, there are less expensive and even more simple ways that your senior at home can stay warm while being economically conscious at the same time.

Here are some ways to keep warm this season without breaking the bank.

1. Open the shades

Utilizing the sun’s warm rays by opening the curtains, blinds, or shades in your senior’s home during the daylight hours will enable them to warm up the rooms of their home naturally, without having to turn up the furnace which costs money. Encourage them to spend time in rooms that face the sun so they can relax in the warmth that the sun provides.

2. Dress in layers

If your senior receiving elder care at home tends to go back and forth between feeling hot and cold, have them dress in layers so that they can easily flex between bundling up and cooling down. Consider keeping a sweater in the area that they spend the most time so that they can easily throw it on if needed, as well as warm, soft blankets. This will also cut down on laundry if they tend to want to change their clothes a lot because of changing temperatures.

3. Get moving

Having your seniors participate in daily physical exercise is sure to get them warmed right up. Besides being good for them, the pumping blood will warm up their bodies on cold days when they might normally want to turn up the heat. Talk to their doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.

4. Look for cracks

Another way to save money on the heating bill is to check for cracks around the foundation and walls that might be letting the cold air inside. Doors and windows are also common places for leaks and cracks.

5. Insulate the windows

If you are worried that opening the curtains will allow the cold to seep in from the glass of your senior’s windows, there are thin, clear protective sheets that you can apply to the windows which help to trap in warmth and keep out the cold. These are readily available at your local hardware or home store and are inexpensive and fairly easy to apply.

6. Drink warm beverages

Hot tea, coffee, and even hot cocoa are great beverages of choice for seniors that are feeling the cold temperatures and needing a quick warm-up. If your senior getting elder care at home has issues with caffeine, be sure to choose decaffeinated teas or stick to drinking coffee in the morning hours.

7. Adjust the thermostat

If your senior insists on cranking the heat doing the day when they are awake, you might try using a programmable thermostat which can allow you to set the temperature slightly lower while they are sleeping which will help cut down on the bill.

If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Elderly Care in Bridgehampton, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.