If you are in a wheelchair this winter, is is important that you stay warm. Since you are sitting in a wheelchair, you will not be able to move your body as you could if you were on your feet in order to stay warm. Here are a few tips that will help you stay warm while riding out the winter in your wheelchair.

#1 Dress in Layers

When you get dressed in the morning, make sure that you put on layers. Putting on multiple layers of clothing, such as a long tank-top, a t-shirt, a light jacket and then a winter jacket, will help you keep your body warm and will help you more easily regulate your body temperature as you go inside and outside. Dressing in layers is always a smart strategy for the winter time.

#2 Use a Poncho

If your upper body tends to get cold a lot when you are wheelchair, instead of putting on too many jackets or trying to awkwardly drape blankets around your shoulders and arms, try a poncho. Purchase one that is large and can go around both you and your chair. You can even have a custom-sized poncho made to go over and cover your wheelchair.

#3 Cover Up Your Legs

If your legs get cold when you are in your wheelchair, you are going to want to pack a blanket with you. A blanket can easily wrap around your legs and keep you warm. Some of the best types of blankets that will keep you as warm as possible are fleece or wool blankets. Both of these blankets will keep you a lot warmer than a light-weight throw blanket.

#4 Pack Lots of Hand and Toe Warmers

Your hands and feet can easily get cold in the winter time. You can put toe warmers down by your feet to keep them warm. Even if you wear mittens, hand warmers can still come in handy and be easily slipped inside gloves or mittens. When your hands and feet are warm, your entire body can feel warmer.

#5 Keep Hats Handy

Finally, most of the heat that your body loses is lost through your head. One way to stay warmer is to put on a hat or cap. Keep plenty of hats around that you like, and always put one on when you go outside. 

For more tips to keep comfortable while in a wheelchair, talk to an assisted living facility like Haven  Care. 

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