8 ways to keep warm as the temperature starts to dip

As we enter winter, excited for the upcoming festive season, the weather, our bodies, and our homes are feeling the chill. The frosty temperatures also tend to equate to catching colds, so it’s essential to keep warm for our personal comfort and well-being. 

At Complete Care Shop, we have a wide range of warming aids for keeping toasty this winter, and we’ve put together a list of more ways to keep the house and yourself warm.

1. Embrace layers

Wrapping yourself up in jumpers and blankets is a great way to keep warm in winter. Depending on how your temperature changes during the day, you can take off or add layers as necessary. Complete Care Shop has super soft thermal gowns like our Heat Holders Soul Warming Women's Dressing Gown, thermal socks like our Heat Holders Thermal Socks, and slippers for you to stay comfy and cosy. We also have dressing aids and sock aids, so you can easily add and remove layers without using too much energy.

Don’t forget to wear a thick coat, scarf, hat, and gloves when you head outdoors, too.

2. Get cosy with wheat bags

Wheat bags are one of our favourite ways to keep warm in winter. They’re safer than hot water bottles, as there’s no chance of spilling boiling water. They warm targeted areas, soothing aching joints or muscles. Due to their nature, they can be easily moulded to the shape of your body to provide a more encompassing heat. 

We also have wheat Hand Warmers, handy when you’re out and about. They can easily fit in your palms or pockets.

It’s essential to closely follow the heating and usage directions for wheat bags, as they can pose a fire hazard if not used correctly. Putting them under a blanket or duvet can increase the heat and set bedding alight. Cheshire Fire and Rescue have put together wheat bag safety guidelines to help.

3. Keep moving

Sitting for long periods of time can leave you feeling cold without even realising it. Gentle exercises can help pump blood around your body and warm you up, to avoid your muscles getting cold and stiff. Our pedal exercisers can be used from the comfort of your bed or sofa, but if you do want to go outdoors for a gentle stroll, make sure to layer up.

We have mobility aids for those who need them, from rollators to walking frames and crutches. You can also warm up outdoors in a wheelchair with our wheelchair accessories. Complete Care Shop has wheelchair clothing like jackets and fleece blankets to keep you warm.

4. Enjoy hot food and drinks

Is there a more perfect way to keep warm in winter than hot beverages? It’s the ideal time to get cosy with some steaming soup or tea to warm yourself from the inside out. If lifting the kettle when making your brews is becoming increasingly difficult, consider a kettle tipper. They help you put boiling water in your mug without having to lift the kettle so you can avoid any accidents. 

Complete Care Shop also has eating and drinking aids to keep your food and beverages hot for longer so you can eat and drink at your own pace. Our cups and mugs range includes the Insulated Mug with Lid so your tea doesn’t grow cold too fast and a Thermo Safe Two-Handled Insulated Mug for those needing added grip. We also have plates and bowls, with our Soft Grip Keep Warm Thermo Bowl having a compartment to fill with hot water so your meal stays warmer longer. 

5. Relax in a warm bath

Treat yourself to a bath to keep warm and relaxed, and to soothe any aching joints. If you’re struggling to get in and out of the tub, there are a variety of bathroom aids available to give you a helping hand. Bath steps can help reduce how high you lift your leg to step into the tub, while a grab rail can offer sturdy support to get in and out. A bath lift can also make it much easier to enjoy a bath, as they lower you down into the water to bathe and then raise you up again once you’re done.

If your bathroom has a heated towel rail, remember to hang your towel on it for extra warmth when you get out. Dry off and get dressed in warm clothes again quickly to avoid catching a chill.

6. Heat up your home

One of the easiest ways to keep the house warm in cold weather is to use the heating. Consider getting a room thermometer to help you track the temperature of your home and ensure that it’s not getting too cold.

Set when your heating comes on

Setting your heating to come on at the right times can ensure your home is warm when you need it to be. To maximise its efficiency, set it to come on just before you get up in the morning or when you’re due to come home.

Get your boiler checked

Getting your boiler checked is essential. No one wants to be surprised by a boiler breakdown, and waiting without hot water and heating until a repairperson arrives is not fun.

If you rent your home, your landlord is legally required to service the boiler annually. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you think yours might be due.

Check your radiators

Are they getting warm all the way up, or are there cold spots? If your radiators don’t get warm at the top, they may need bleeding to remove trapped air in the pipes and help the hot water circulate more effectively. It’s considered good practice to bleed radiators at least once a year.

If you’re not sure how to do this, there are plenty of guides online (search “how to bleed a radiator”), or you could ask a friend, relative, or professional for help.

Guard against draughts

A draughty house can defy even the best heating system to let in the chill. Try using a draught excluder on your door and close your curtains to help keep the cold out.

7. Use a heated blanket

If heating is getting too expensive, heated blankets are a great, cost-effective alternative and an ideal way to keep warm in winter. On average, a 100W electric blanket will only cost 3p to run at full power for an hour, as opposed to 20p per hour for a space heater and over £1 per hour for central heating. We have a selection of heated throws and heated under blankets you can wrap yourself in or put under bedsheets to stay toasty at night—browse our warming aids to pick the best one for you.

8. Get help with heating costs

As utility bills skyrocket every year, paying them can become increasingly difficult. You may be eligible for some grants to help with your heating, whether it’s help with bills or money towards a new boiler or insulation.

Those born on or before 26th September 1955 could be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment to help pay heating bills. Find out more about this scheme and the eligibility criteria on the government website.

GOV.UK also offers a service to help you find ways to keep the house warm and save energy. After you answer some questions about your property, they’ll assess its energy efficiency and give recommendations on home improvements to make your home cheaper to heat.

If you’re in Scotland, visit the Home Energy Scotland website to find out what grants and schemes are available in your area. If you’re in Northern Ireland, visit the Housing Executive website to learn more about their Energy Efficiency Grants. 

Staying warm in the winter with Complete Care Shop

We hope you find our ways to keep warm in the winter helpful. At Complete Care Shop, we prioritise your comfort and well-being above all. If you need advice about any of our warming aids and living aids, please contact our qualified Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants for expert advice. 

You can also browse our daily living blog for more product guides and tips on staying warm. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any further information.