I have bought her an extra heater for the kitchen she can sit by, an electric throw for when she is in her recliner, an electric blanket for her bed and a waterproof mattress warmer.We give her warm meals and I encourage her to drink warm liquids and not ice water. If left to her own devices she will crank the heat up to 88* (the highest the thermostat will go). We have her wear sweaters and such when she is cold (so she can take them off if she gets too warm)and encourage her to get up and walk around to get her blood circulating (which she doesn't really care to do). The problem is she gets so hot she sweats and then is twice as cold. Her clothes get changed 3 - 4 times during the day because of this. I have tried to keep the thermostat on 72* and have her use her other warming methods hoping this will keep her from sweating but she usually ends up getting belligerent and accusing of us of trying to "save money" and not putting oil in the tank (which is not the case) and then everyone gives in and turns the heat up! Does anyone have any other ideas?
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Also make sure she is not dehydrated with all the sweating. I love cuddle duds for warmth. They are very light weight and I stay very comfortable when I wear those under my clothes when I am in a cold environment. Sometimes you can find them at Costco or Sams this time of the year. The puff jackets and vests are very light weight but will help keep her toasty. I like MidKids idea of wicking underwear for the moisture. Down comforters are good at night. And you are so right about moving keeping her blood flowing. Also relaxing is helpful. When my aunts thyroid is off she will turn off the AC in extreme heat because she is so cold.
Good luck!
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Cotton is the best temperature regulating fabric there is. Try getting her cotton clothes and don't cave in when you know that she is plenty warm and adding heat will make her sweaty, she needs someone else to make her decisions now, she obviously doesn't have the ability to know how she really feels. Proven by the excessive sweating when you cave. No judgment, just saying her brain is broken.
It keeps you warm but does also allow the fabric to breathe.
Also a hat. Much heat is lost through the top of your head so if you can get her to wear a cap that might also help.
Bamboo is another awesome fabric for wicking away moisture. I have just finished chemo and one of the hundreds of s/e is nigth sweats. I was changing my pjs 3-5 times per night. My daughter bought me a pair of bamboo pjs and it was amazing! I was still 'sweaty' but not soaked through. They are not cheap, but I am treating myself to another pair ASAP. (Can I mention a brand? Softies are the ones I have and they are quite expensive, but I was sick of sleeping on 2-3 towels and sweating through everything.
And if she won't get up and move, she'd going to just stay cold, damp and miserable.
AND check her thyroid.