My dad is 88 years old and lives alone. He has some trouble getting around because of two compression fractures. Mentally he seems very lucid. We talk sports, politics, etc. However, the one thing he is fixated on is his thermastat. He calls my younger brother 12 times a day to say his furnace is not working and can he come check the thermastat. My dad gets cold but only wears shorts and a short sleeve shirt, even in winter. He has nice sweat pants and sweat shirts, as well as jeans, khakis, etc. but does not want to wear them. I asked my dad if it is painful to wear these heavier items and he says no. When my brother goes to his house to check the furnace, everything is fine. The temperature reads 84 degrees. It is very warm in his home. Even after my brother visits and gives him a positive report, my dad may call a few hours later and tell him something is wrong with the thermastat. We are not sure what to do.
I think 84 is a little too much. I also think that Dad needs to be evaluated for a Dementia. Being fixated like this is a sign. Maybe someone should spend a few days with him. Does he get a little confused in late afternoon/evening. Or, he could have a tyroid problem. A good check up and lab work could rule out any physical problems.
Good luck!
I also agree with FF; if his thermostat is one of those newer ones that require fiddling around to change preset temperatures, get one like FF suggests. And buy a room temperature gauge as well; he can look at that more easily. If you get a hygrometer, it'll also reflect the humidity level, something that we all need to consider during the winter when heating dries up the house.
With a temp of 85, I'm thinking also that his skin is quite dry; that may be another reason he feels uncomfortable (if that is the issue).
Another thing I would do is evaluate his backup status. If he won't wear appropriate winter clothing, will he use one of those fleece throw blankets? I'm thinking that he thinks the thermostat may be malfunctioning b/c he's not properly dressed. If not, could you get him a cuddle blanket to wrap up in?
The fleece blankets provide more than warmth; the silkiness of their texture is mentally soothing and comforting.
Do you know why he doesn't dress appropriately during the winter? My father wore insulated jeans, insulated flannel jackets, and I bought him some thick hunting socks. Do you think your father would agree to wear something like that this would keep him warmer and diminish the concern over the thermostat, which I think is problematic for him primarily b'c he's not dressed for winter?
I hope you can find a solution; it's unsettling and personally troubling to be worried when you're all alone in your home, even if relatives are close.