Winter warmers
- Emily Hart
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Carers’ favourite tips and gadgets to keep ourselves and the person we care for warm
Being warm and comfortable at home isn’t a luxury. It’s a basic need, both for us and others we live with, or care for. However, it might not always feel accessible to us.
Winter brings shorter days and lower temperatures, so staying warm often becomes yet another thing for us to think about this time of year. That's why it’s important for us to have some handy winter warmers up our sleeve that we can reach for when we start to feel the dip in temperature. Not only will they help make us feel a bit more settled and comfortable, but they could also help to keep our winter that little bit safer and healthier.
We asked the Mobilise community what gadgets or hacks have helped them to keep warm during the winter, without adding extra pressure, and this is what they shared. It’s not about expensive fixes but practical ideas that can help us feel more in control.
Carer approved winter warmers
Electric blankets and heated throws
Electric blankets and heated throws were some of the most recommended winter warmers.
They’re particularly helpful when someone feels cold while sitting still. A heated throw over a chair can keep the person we care for comfortable, without needing to turn the heating up for the whole house. It’s a great choice if different people want different temperatures within the same house.
Heated cushions are also a great option if we struggle with back pain, arthritis or want to reduce stiffness, and the smaller sizes mean they are quick to heat up!
Electric blankets are a great help, especially at night. Getting into a warm bed can make it easier for us to fall asleep and stay asleep.
“I have a fluffy electric blanket, it’s an over-the-bed one, but it can be used when sitting on the couch. It’s so soft and warm. Helps me sleep as well”
If we share a bed with the person we care for, we might want to invest in an electric blanket with split controls, which allow us to set different temperatures on each side of the bed so everyone can be comfortable. Many electric blankets and heated throws also have automatic shut-off timers to prevent any overheating, making them a safe option.
“I’ve just got my partner an electric blanket, and it’s working great”
If we have an Alexa and a heated throw or electric blanket plugged into a smart plug, we (or the person we care for) can simply ask it to switch it on for us, without lifting a finger. It’s a handy little hack if we want to pop our electric blanket on to pre-heat ahead of us getting into bed without actually having to go to the bedroom. Heated blankets can also be controlled directly from the Alexa app on our phones if plugged into a smart plug which we could do for the person we look after, or show them how.
Although an electric blanket might feel like a larger investment upfront, most electric blankets use very little electricity, typically costing just a few pence per hour to run, which is more affordable than heating the whole house. Keeping one chair or bed cosy can be more economical than running central heating for a long period of time in winter.
If we do want to invest in an electric blanket or throw, The Guardian has helpfully tested and ranked some of the best options to choose from.
Microwaveable heat pads
Microwaveable heat pads are another option that carers suggested. They’re simple, flexible, and an easier option for us to manage. We can use them in bed, on the sofa, or at work, especially for those sitting for long periods. Several carers in the community shared that heat pads feel safer than hot water bottles, as there’s no need to handle boiling water - we just need to make sure we follow the instructions on how long to heat them for.
“I use microwaveable heat pads in bed at night.”
They’re also a handy way to make us or the person we look after feel a bit more comfortable. A bit of warmth on our back or shoulders is great for easing tension at the end of the day.
Hot water bottles, used carefully
Traditional hot water bottles work well for many of us, but because they can cause burns if used incorrectly. It’s important to follow safety guidance, particularly when supporting older adults or people with sensitive skin. However, there are ways to can make them feel safer and more manageable.
Using less water can make them flatter and easier to position. Thick covers can also prevent burns. If we have a kettle that allows us to set the water to a lower temperature, we can use slightly cooler water to fill it, which can reduce worry.
“I bought an old-fashioned hot water bottle with a lovely, furry cover. But I also bought a kettle that I can pre-set to any temperature I like. So I set the water at 90 degrees, as that is nice and warm but not too hot through the thick cover.”
Electric hot water bottles
If we want to avoid using the kettle completely or we physically can’t, an electric hot water bottle might be better suited to us. They usually charge quickly and stay warm for a long time. There’s no lifting or pouring involved, which makes them easier and safer to use.
“I had an electric hot water bottle for Christmas. (And gifted my mum one). It’s a bit easier and safer to manage than filling from the kettle. Stays warm all night after a 10-minute charge!”
Layers, layers, layers
Sometimes it’s the simplest changes that help most. Anything from thermal vests to wearing two pairs of socks or just lots of soft layers can all help us feel a little warmer on cooler days.
These layers help to trap warmth without feeling bulky or restrictive. Extra layers can be especially helpful for people who experience fluctuations in temperature, making it easier to manage our comfort levels quickly.
“I put an extra layer on for work as it's quite an old building, often a thermal vest or, sometimes, a sleeveless fleece”
Gentle movement
Gentle movement naturally helps to warm us up by getting our blood pumping, even though we might not always feel like it. Moving around the house, and encouraging others we live with to do the same, can instantly help us feel warmer, especially when we’ve been sitting for a while. While this won’t suit everyone, it can be another small way to stay comfortable without relying solely on heating.
It is worth keeping in mind that if we are rushing around all day, but the person we look after is quite immobile, they are likely to be getting much colder than us and might need more help to keep warm.
“I find sitting still is the worst thing I can do - if I get cold, hoovering the house soon sorts that out!”
Fan heaters
Fan heaters can be helpful when we need warmth quickly in one specific space. They’re especially useful for taking the chill off a room first thing in the morning or if we need a quick burst of warmth in a room.
For some of us, this can make a real difference when the person we care for is sitting still for long periods and feels the cold more than we do. We can place the fan heater in front of them to keep them cosy and warm.
That said, fan heaters are best used in short bursts, as they can be a slightly more expensive option to run if left on for extended periods.
A few safety notes we should keep in mind:
Keep fan heaters clear of furniture, blankets, and clothing
Avoid using them overnight
Choose models with automatic shut-off or tip-over protection where possible
Fan heaters can still be a good choice on cooler days, helping us feel warmer quickly while keeping energy use under control.
Why this matters
Feeling cold for long periods can affect our physical health and emotional well-being. It can make aches and pains feel worse or even disrupt our mood, leaving us feeling worn down.
For the person we care for, the impact might be even greater.
Some people may not realise they’re cold, or may struggle to communicate if they are. This can be especially true for people living with dementia or learning disabilities.
As carers, that uncertainty can weigh heavily on us. We may find ourselves checking more often, constantly adjusting layers, or worrying whether we’ve done enough.
Many of us are also moving around more than the person we care for. We might feel warm while they’re sitting still and gradually getting colder. That’s where targeted warmth through a handy gadget can really help. Keeping one person warm, rather than heating the whole house, can be more comfortable and more affordable.
Gov.uk have shared more on why it is so important to keep warm, particularly for those who are older or more physically vulnerable.
Help with the cost of staying warm
Many of us feel anxious about heating costs during winter. However, there may be financial support available to help with our energy bills, such as the Warm Home scheme or access to local warm hubs.
Some energy providers also offer referral schemes or certain perks, such as free electric blankets or discounts for gas and electricity usage during off-peak times.
“Mum has an electric throw (free from Octopus Energy!)”
If we’re considering changing providers, the Money Saving Expert has a helpful guide on how and the most important things we should take into account before switching.
There’s also certain support we may be able to unlock as carers. Financial support in winter for carers lists the different options available to us and how to apply.
Free and low-cost ways for carers to feel cosy this season could also provide us with some budget-friendly next steps.
Winter can feel relentless when we’re caring, but staying warm is vital to keep everyone in our household, or those we care for healthy and well. These ideas are here for us to come back to whenever. We don’t need to try everything. Even one small change could help the person we care for feel more comfortable through the colder months.
If we want some more support with navigating the winter months, we might find the blogs below helpful:
A carer's home in winterWinter wellbeing for unpaid carersCarer's guide to winter support Carers' guide to winter health and safety
And for inspiration for more handy gadgets that are great for all year round, try GO GO Gadget Carers!
Have we missed something?
Have an idea for something that helped you to stay warm that’s not mentioned? Join the conversation in the Mobilise Hub and share it with other carers (or find some more inspiration).
