Five tips on keeping the elderly warm in bed

As we age, we become less efficient at regulating our body heat. Older adults may feel the cold more severely, and are also more likely to have medical conditions that make it harder to stay warm. That’s why it’s essential to help our elderly loved ones stay warm and comfortable at night, especially during the winter. 

In this guide, we’ll share five practical tips on how to keep the elderly warm in bed. We’ll also share recommendations for useful living aids that can help your loved one stay cosy and snug in colder weather.

1. Invest in good-quality bedding

When it comes to keeping elderly individuals warm at night, investing in warm, quality bedding is a great place to start. Options include:

• High-tog duvets. The “tog” rating measures how warm it is. The higher the tog, the warmer the bedding. Even the cheapest duvets can have high tog ratings; a tog rating of 13.5 or higher is ideal for colder climates.
• Down bedding. Down bedding is bedding that uses feathers as a stuffing material. Feathers are arguably the best material there is for trapping heat. Beyond that, they’re luxuriously soft too.
• Heated blankets. These fantastic warming aids come in two main varieties: heated throws and heated underblankets, which are secured to the mattress underneath the sheet. Make sure to follow the directions carefully to avoid the risk of overheating or burns.

The fabric that sheets and duvet covers are made from can also make a big difference. Sateen sheets, for example, have a tighter weave than ordinary cotton sheets. This means they let less air escape during the night. Thick fleece duvet covers are ideal for staying warm and cosy on very cold nights.

2. Layer their bedding

Layering bedding is a great way to help your elderly loved one keep the warmth in. You can start from underneath: a mattress topper and a fabric mattress protector underneath a fitted sheet. Depending on preference, you can then layer blankets, duvets and sheets on top. This is great for helping people keep at a comfortable temperature – the person can easily take off some of their bedding if they get too warm.

For blankets, materials like wool or fleece are excellent for retaining heat. Wool fibres naturally trap air, and this trapped air acts as an insulator, keeping warmth close to the body. Merino wool in particular is soft, non-itchy, and good for keeping warm on cold nights.

3. Buy some warm pyjamas

There’s a reason people have worn pyjamas for centuries – they’re a simple and cost-effective way of keeping warm at night. Good quality pyjamas are particularly important for elderly people who may feel the cold more quickly.

Look for materials that keep warmth in while allowing the skin to breathe, like flannel or thermal cotton. The fit is important too. Pyjamas that are snug, like cuffed trousers and long sleeves, are great for keeping warmth in. However, if temperature regulation is an issue (i.e. your loved one goes from being too cold to too warm), a looser fit may be better.

In addition to pyjamas, a nightcap can help prevent too much heat from being lost through the head. If cold feet are a particular issue, thick socks may also be appreciated.

4. Encourage activity during the day

Staying physically active during the day helps to improve circulation, which can keep the body warmer – even while sleeping. This doesn’t have to mean aerobics classes or jogging. Low-impact exercises, like walking, stretching and yoga, can all boost blood flow and generate body heat. 

Light activity just before bed can be particularly helpful for helping the elderly stay warm through the night. As an added bonus, it can also improve your sleep quality and help reduce stiffness and joint pain.

Try to encourage your elderly loved one to remain as active as possible. If they struggle to walk unaided, investing in walking aids can help get them up and moving. If they use a wheelchair, even seated exercises will be beneficial.

5. Use a hot water bottle

Last but not least, hot water bottles are a versatile and effective way for anyone to keep warm in bed. They can be used in all sorts of ways, such as:

• To warm up the bed, removing them before your loved one gets in
• Placing them at extremities, such as the feet or hands, to help with circulation issues
• Placing them on the chest to raise core temperature

A bonus of using hot water bottles is that they are easy to set aside if the bed gets too warm. If you do plan on getting a hot water bottle for your elderly relative, however, be mindful of safety. Hot water bottles with handles can be easier to fill and use for elderly people with stiff joints or shaky hands. 

Visit Complete Care Shop today to explore a wide range of living aids for elderly adults, including blankets, thermal clothing and other warming aids. For more information or advice, don’t hesitate to contact us.