Do we add another blanket if she asks even though it is warm and we can sees signs that she is perspiring? One time in the summer the EMTs came cause of this which caused her BP to rise. They immediatley insisted she let the aide put on the wall ac and they removed some blankets, etc. Her BP came down and the sweating stopped. They warned her this can cause a stroke so she stopped for awhile but is doing this again. it is causing a lot of stress for her live in aide who is afraid she will overheat. We see her doctor in a couple of weeks and discuss it more. Are there any blankets that would give her comfort but let her breathe in the summer ? Any other ideas?
Sometimes the person needs to feel the "weight" of the blankets when they are asking for extra blankets. Also, the type of blanket(s) used make a difference. I would suggest that you put a FLEECE blanket on your Mom instead of a loosely woven blanket that allows air to flow through and may not feel as warm as a fleece blanket. Maybe have her wear a fleece sweatshirt or jacket with a hood. Maybe buy a Queen size SLEEPING BAG for her chair. That way your Mom can snuggle inside the sleeping bag or buy one of those "Snuggles"?? that are blankets that snap around your arms and legs. (I think Walmart and Walgreens have them.) You will need to experiment to see what works.
Use flannel sheets on her bed. (Yeah, I know--FLANNEL sheets in the summer?!? I use flannel sheets on my bed all year round because of my fibromyalgia. If I use regular sheets, my legs get cold and I experience "restless legs syndrome" and can't sleep.)
Maybe if you turn the AC vent so that it does not blow directly on your Mom but blows upward or to the side of her. As long as there is some air flowing in the room.
I am glad that you are going to see your Mom's doctor and plan to discuss this problem.
Wear lots of thin layers. eg vest + t.shirt + blouse + cardigan or jumper. They work better than the heavy thick stuff, for me.
If I am in the chair
1 Make sure my blouse is tucked in at the back, then put a rolled cushion in the small of my back, against the back of the chair/seat.
2 Put a pillow each side, where the arms of the chair are, slightly tucked towards my body.
3 I have a large, soft, light. wool square x 2
1st one goes round my shoulders, 2nd one wraps round my legs.
I use a wrapped, hot water bottle to put my feet on. I am wearing socks.
My slippers get put into the airing cupboard (on the hot water tank.) So they are lovely and toasty for when the hot water bottle has cooled.
A nice warm drink (I love oxo in a cup) but any hot drink (as long as she is safe holding it.
Good luck - it is not fun being cold - hope she warms up soon :)
Remember that immobile people who aren't getting any exercise are going to feel colder. And it's possible she has a circulation problem. Is she cold all over, or more so in her extremities?
Can you persuade her to do arm, ankle and foot exercises to get blood moving down into the extremities? My father used a small exercise bike that essentially is only the pedal portion of a bike. Its not a stationary bike, just the pedaling part. It can be used on the floor for feet, or on a table for arms.
Google hand and foot exercise portable bikes to see what they look like. They're about $15 in the nuisance catalogues, but you could probably get a better one at a DME supplier with a script from one of her doctors.
I would have suggested a fleece lined jacket and the fleece throws, but if EMS was concerned, I'm thinking that some monitoring would be required so that she doesn't overheat.
One option is to try, and I emphasize try, the space blankets. They look like aluminum foil but are supposed to provide enough heat to prevent freezing in the winter. I guess they were used on space flights, hence the name.
They're ugly as heck - imagine getting out a box of aluminum foil to keep you warm.
Another option is warm fluids, such as herbal tea (but research the various types of teas first and check with her doctor(s) to make sure there are no contraindications for use with any of her meds.
Mom's hands often feel cooler but that doesn't bother her. I feel her forearm and upper body (slipping my hand under the neckline of her blouse) to check her "core" temperature. The forearm usually feels slightly cooler than my hand, but her upper body/shoulder area will be the same temperature as my palm.
One reason someone continues to feel cold even in a warm room and under adequate clothing/cover is dehydration. Maybe if your Mom continues to feel cold, you could try offering some hot/warm tea? or maybe she like coffee better?
Also, an elder may not be moving around a lot, thus making them cold.