How to Keep Warm When in a Wheelchair

Being confined to a wheelchair during cold weather, whether it's because of an accident, debilitating illness, injuries or old age, is uncomfortable if you or your caregiver don't take the appropriate measures to keep your body warm. Aside from just putting on a warm jacket, there are several steps you can take to assure you keep warm in your wheelchair.

Things You'll Need

• Thermal cap
• Mittens or gloves
• Socks
• Lap blanket

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Instructions

• 1

  Dress in layers of warm clothing to insulate the body and to keep it warm. Balance the heat levels of your body by removing one or more layers as your body temperature increases. Wear a water resistant, windproof jacket or poncho as the final outer layer.

• 2

  Wear a thermal cap with ear flaps on your head. According to the Immigration Guides website, 70 percent of body heat can be lost from the head.

• 3

  Cover your neck with a long scarf. Wrap it around your neck and secure it in the chest area underneath the top layer of clothing.

• 4

  Put on mittens instead of gloves if you don't wheel yourself around. Keep your fingers together so they warm each other. Layer mittens for additional warmth. Wear waterproof winter gloves with thermal gloves underneath if you do wheel yourself around.

• 5

  Layer a thin polypropylene liner sock with one or two nylon or wool socks to keep your feet dry and warm. Cover them up with liner boots.

• 6

  Wrap a lap blanket or wheely apron around your legs to keep your lower body warm. Tuck it underneath yourself so it's secured.