Due to fixed incomes, healthcare needs, and daily expenses, many people look for ways to cut costs during their senior years. The energy bill is typically an expense that can be lowered without too much sacrifice. Here are some of the ways family caregivers can help their loved ones lower their energy bill.
Do Larger Loads of Laundry
Laundry is a task that should be scheduled, measured, and monitored. Seniors who wash clothes every day are likely to have high energy bills, in addition to expensive water bills. It is best for aging adults to pack in as many clothing items as they can without damaging the washing machine or dryer. If there is no room for movement in the dryer, the machine will not be able to do its job, so your loved one might have to run the dryer twice. Seniors should wash clothing separate from blankets and large bed sheets. Clothes take up less space and allow more items to be packed into the machines.
Managing a full load of laundry isn’t the only activity that can make daily life challenging for aging adults. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality non-medical home care. Albuquerque families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Keep Vents Open and Clean
Family caregivers should check the vents in their loved one’s home multiple times during the year. When the vents are closed, it requires the heating and air conditioning system to run more to heat or cool the entire home. Closing the vents can increase energy costs instead of reducing them. The vents need to be clean and free of dust, dirt, and debris that may cause the system to work twice as hard. To reduce energy costs, change your loved one’s filters on a monthly basis, or at least once every two months.
Reduce Heat on the Dishwasher
Reducing energy consumption is the most effective way for seniors to keep energy costs low during the retirement years. Your loved one will need to reduce the amount of heat he or she uses when running the dishwasher. Instead of using the heated dry method, seniors should use rinsing agents, which may prevent water spots on the dishes without the extra steaming and hot water process. Family caregivers can help their loved ones dry the dishes manually to prevent the need for the heated dry method. They can also enlist the grandchildren to help, which provides seniors with a bonding moment while cutting energy costs.
Some seniors need help with dishwashing and managing other day-to-day activities. Albuquerque respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
Monitor Lights in the Home
It is important to install adequate lighting in the home to prevent seniors from falling and experiencing cuts, bruises, broken bones, fractures, and traumas. However, leaving all of the lights on in the home is unnecessary, and it could cause your loved one’s energy bill to increase. When your loved one is not utilizing one side of the home, make sure to turn the lights off. You can install nightlights to use in other rooms instead of turning the lamps on. You can also purchase energy-efficient light bulbs to help your loved one lower the cost of the energy bill.
If your loved one requires help utilizing these energy-saving methods and assistance with the daily tasks of living, consider hiring a professional caregiver. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. For more information and to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at 505-798-0800 today.
