How can I keep him warm?

A genuine oddie is the only thing that keeps my mum warm. Not pretty…but effective.

A genuine oodie is the only thing that makes my mum warm. Not pretty…but effective.

Because he's 77 and this has been his home for 40+ years

Ofc he won't want to move, not yet... OP is absolutely right trying to help him make his home warmer and work with her dad as much as she can to see what is possible and works or doesn't work- until or unless he wants to move. Older people that move without being happy with move tends to fair statistically worse in health (morbidity and mortality research- ex research psychologist here)

Mattress topper placed directly on top of the bed

Honestly I don't know why you're not working on persuading him to move to a small, cosy flat rather than figuring out how to stop him freezing in a too-big house just because it was the family home (it clearly isn't anymore).

*talking to not taking to

You'd be surprised at what schemes each local borough council have for disabled and older residents in their area - check their websites or ring in - with his permission ofc

It's disgusting this is even a concern for elderly people now

I'd turn the radiators on low in all the other rooms that he doesn't use.

His local borough council will have a keep warm scheme that is full of advice and practical help

Something like this

www.eastsussex.gov.uk/social-care/support-to-stay-at-home/keep-warm

It's really worth looking this up and taking to his local borough council to see what help is available

Blanket under the bottom sheet on the bed.

A warm beanie - keeping your head warm retains the heat.

This and a dressing gown or oodie he can wear while in the kitchen preparing meals.

it varies but you can find out on the suppliers website. I am registered as "older customer or some such with my water firm and also with my electricity company (its me age lol) when they turn the water off, they deliver me bottled water and last year when there was a long power cut in the cold spell they brought round hot meals but I didn't want one. You had to be able to get from your front door to the van to get one though.
I know about channeling Frozen, my late beloved Mum was the same and same setup, one loo and that one upstairs with a stairlift.

Couple of soft comfortable hats or snoods
Scarves
Fingerless or normal gloves

@godmum56 yes, the commode is a good idea that was suggested and rejected. I’ve had to channel ‘frozen’ on this and ‘let it go’ lol Re: power cuts hopefully I’m over anxious about that! Maybe as I’m rural and mine often goes off. She isn’t though: She is registered as a vulnerable with the supplier though quite what they would do I don’t know!

On the topic of heated throws, she also rejects that idea, though with her mobility problems I would worry about it being a trip hazard.

can I ask why you are worried about powercuts if everyone will be trying hard to use less fuel? A "just on case" commode might be a good idea if she will agree?

Definitely a heated throw. I have a friend whose husband doesn't want to turn the heating on (environmental reasons) and a group of us bought her one after she looked fucking blue on a zoom call. She admitted it has made a huge difference to her.

My elderly mum also has this heated throw and has saved a lot in heating bills since she got it - I highly recommend this too

I’ve worked from home since covid and I would definitely recommend an oil filled radiator.

I’m worried about power cuts. My parent lives alone and has a stair lift and just an upstairs toilet. I’ve put a kettle upstairs, tea, biscuits and emergency snacks but she eats them all 🙈 if the power goes off and she is downstairs, Lord knows

My elderly widowed grandfather had a lodger (another older gentleman). They kept each other company, could raise alarm if either was unwell, & of course lodger provided some income to help with household costs.

My mother in law hates using the heating but has a heated throw she wraps around her.

Does he have gas central heating or fires? Gas is far cheaper than electricity - the price of gas per kWh is about a quarter of that of electricity.

Like this;

https://www.lakeland.co.uk/61802/dreamland-velvety-electric-heated-throw-grey-and-red-check-135-x-180cm?src=gfeed&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7KXBhCoARIsAPdPTfjqq2frXlfhGJZf--eOAyDBKJfNlbqEoIoFuQEWK23D9zs6-BvmiSgaAqi3EALwwcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Yes like PPs said, a throw for wrapping round him on the sofa rather than on the bed. I bought one for my Mum who sounds similar to your Dad, she loves it, keeps her warm and cosy for very little money.

Not an electric blanket for the bed but a heated throw. I have one for WFH in winter. With that and an oodie, I'm toasty.

Yes, this. An electric throw is excellent though, pennies to run and you can get toasty warm.

On top of what others have said :
This time of year second hand cashmere is cheaper on eBay and charity shops . Buy him a few layering pieces. It doesn’t need to be washed every week as he won’t be sweating. Buy him a second hand fleece stretch top that mountaineers wear- they have thunb holes on the sleeves and if you get a hoody one it keeps head one ( recommended Rab Power Stretch Hoody)
Make him wear the hoody over the cashmere.
Check out wool socks.
Lidls have feet/ neck /body heat devices frequently on sale that may be on eBay right now