Mam who is 90 is cold all the time. I have to have the fire and heating on all the time and I'm in menopause and can't take the heat. Advice?

Dear "Dublingercare,"

My mom is 95 and has lost a lot of body weight which contributes to her being cold a lot of the time. She is in a memory care unit with hospice involved.

I bought two thick blankets that are very soft and plush as well as comfortable for my mom's delicate skin. Since we live in a hot climate the first one is a little thinner and she keeps that one on for now. As it starts getting cooler, she will have the extra thick one - she can even use both if she needs to. I bought them both at Walmart and they are very easy to launder. For her feet, I buy her the "Dr. Scholl's Soothing Spa Low Cut Slipper Socks" - they are thick and have skid proof bottoms as she isn't always able to put slippers on.

The reason I chose the blanket route as opposed to certain types of clothing is there have been times when she actually does get warm - hot. This way she just pushes the blanket aside and then when she gets cold again she pulls it back over her. It is much easier for her to do that than for someone to be around to help her take something off and a short time later having to go back and help her put those items back on.

I hope you can find something that will work so you can both be kept comfortably warm and/or cool!

My husband too is very cold natured and I hot natured. I have him wear a hoodie sweatshirt all year long, (which he keeps the hood up), and I put extra blankets on him as needed. I refuse to be hot in my own house as I am the one running around doing everything, and my husband is content in his fleece hoodie. Like I have always said to people who are cold, you can always put more things on, but I can only take so much off.

BarbBrooklyn is so right about the layers of clothing. Also know that a knit cap goes a huge long way to keep the heat in for an elder. Find a friend who crochets some pretty ones. For me it is my partner and I being different in heat tolerance and needs, so this is not uncommon, but in menopause would likely have you clawing you way up the walls. Do consider having thyroid check on Mom, as well. Maybe a blood panel. Some conditions, low red blood cells and hypothyroid make one more cold, but it is also common in aging without a good fat layer to keep us warm. Start with that knit cap and layers for Mom, starting with some great long underwear under pant and top. I think it will make a great difference. Keep things around for her such as those nifty fleecy things that you put on as you sit in a chair, the ones that you kind of put on backwards --wish I could think what they are called.

She needs to dress in layers. Can you get her some lightweight long underwear? Then long sleeved cotton tops and slacks, warm socks and a thin wool sweater.

Sitting in a high heat environment is not good for her health. He doctor will confirm this.