Heated Throw for Elderly DM

[Icequeen01]

My apologies, I know this has been done to death and I did read the previous threads but felt like I had gone down a rabbit hole 😀

My elderly DM is staying with me having just no been discharged from hospital after breaking her hip. Yesterday was her first day home and she was so cold despite warm clothing and a blanket round her legs. In the end I had to put the heating on but then I was hot.

Does anyone have any recommendations for one that might be suitable. I think the big thick ones will make it difficult for her to get up and I don't want it too large and risk her tripping over. Are there thinner but equally warm throws that would be suitable. I want to pop out and get her one today so any recommendations would be gratefully received.

Have a look at the Lakeland ones: they're not too massive.

It's the electric lead that will create the problem for tripping. Just make sure that it isn't by her feet. I really feel for you and her, our family is in the same position now.

My mum's in her 80s and complains of the cold even in summer. I got her a Dreamland Luxury Heated Throw and it's perfect for when she's reading/watching TV - toasty warm but not too big/bulky.

Keeping it simple - I find a microwave hot water bottle (hottie) under a blanket very warming. Two to alternate would be good (as it's important not to overheat, so you can use one whilst the other cools).

You can buy heated pads. Bit like a hot water bottle but plug in. Much, much smaller than a heated throw. Good for targeting heat at pain and will cozy up a blanket if she has it on her lap under the blanket.

A good alternative if you think the heated throw might be too much)too big. Dunelm and Argos sell them!

Just bought a lakeland one after many suggestions. Its brilliant! 4p an hour at highest setting and 1p an hour at lowest.

Another recommendation for the dreamland ones. My mum has two, a fur one and the £59 fleece thinner one. She loves them both and they've washed and lasted well but finds the thinner one easier to move around and wrap around herself, she tucks the wire behind either her sofa or her bed so hasn't tripped over the wire. I've bought a couple for gifts this year too, bought them from Lakeland but see that Argos have them in stock right now if you want to pick one up today. I'd personally go for the lighter thinner ones for her, they heat up just as warm.

Thank you so much for all your replies. They have all been really helpful and given me some ideas I hadn't even thought of. I still think I am going to go with the idea of a heated throw so will take a look at the Lakeland and Dreamland ones.

@OnTheBrinkOfChange So sorry to hear your family are in the same position as us. I must confess it is tougher than I had ever imagined. To see mum so frail is awful and mentally she has taken quite a hit but her mobility is improving so we cling on to that.

Same here - it's awful, isn't it? Has your mum had a problem with swollen legs? My mum's leg (same side as her broken hip) is really swollen and hard - I have to help her into bed and notice how much heavier it is than the other leg, which is completely unaffected. It's been checked for blood clots etc and all tests have been negative, but it's really hindering her walking. She does manage it but it's clear it hurts her.

@ICanHideButICantRun Your poor mum. Is she still in hospital or is she home now?

My mum isn't suffering from any swelling now but she is nearly 5 weeks post surgery. Did your mum have a hip replacement or repair? My mum had pins in her hip and is still in lots of pain which she is struggling with. I'm completely shattered as I'm being woken several times during the night!