Recommended room temperatures for the elderly

Ideal room temperatures for older adults

For older people who might spend the majority of their time at home, it is of particular importance that each room remains an adequate temperature for their preferences, as this can impact their health and comfort. Here, we are identifying the ideal temperature ranges for older people’s homes, why this is important, how they can be adjusted for seasonal changes, how to use heating and cooling systems efficiently, and how families and caregivers can support older adults in maintaining a pleasant and safe home environment. 

At Home Instead, our aim is to help people age positively and in place by bringing expert care to their home. For nearly 20 years, we have been providing the highest standard of care, and creating industry-leading training programmes for our Care Professionals that are accredited by nursing and medical professionals. Today, we are the world’s largest global domiciliary care network, supporting over 100,000 older adults with personalised, tailored care at home. So whatever questions you have about home temperatures for older adults, we can help.

What are the ideal room temperature ranges for an older person’s home? 

Different areas of the home have varying ideal temperatures for older people:

Living Rooms

This is where many older people will spend most of their waking hours, so having this be a comfortable temperature can make for a pleasant living environment. It is recommended that temperatures here are kept at 21°C and above to make this a warm and inviting space for daily activities, without it becoming overly hot and clammy. 

However, the ideal temperature may depend on what activities are being undertaken. For example, one 2024 study found that the ideal temperature to enable older adults to focus best is between 20°C and 24°C, and several studies have found people living in houses heated to 18°C or less had a greater risk of high blood pressure. According to OVO Energy and the NHS, the recommended temperatures for living rooms are between 19°C and 22°C, but it usually takes trial and error to find the best temperature based on personal preference. 

Bedrooms

It is often recommended that bedrooms remain consistently cool, as this is known to help promote a restful sleep. The Sleep Foundation recommends 18-20°C, while OVO Energy and the NHS both recommend temperatures for bedrooms are 16-20°C. This helps to keep the room feeling cool without risking an older person being too cold in bed at night. 

It is important for older adults to have options for temperature at night if they end up feeling uncomfortable, such as having layered pajamas in case they get too hot, or additional blankets nearby in case they get too cold.

If you struggle with sleep, you may find more information in our guide to healthy sleep and insomnia in the elderly.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are places where people usually need to get undressed for bathing, so keeping this area warm is key. According to OVO Energy and the NHS, the recommended temperature for bathrooms is 22°C to ensure warmth and comfort during bathing. Water temperatures in bathrooms should also be kept to a level of below 44°C (the NHS recommends 43°C) for safety. 

While these are considered to be the ideal temperatures for older people’s homes, ultimately the perfect temperature for your loved one is likely to be the one in which they feel most comfortable, so maintaining regular communication is the best way to ensure the home environment is set up for the needs and preferences of your older relative.

Winter Weather Changes 

In winter, you could also make use of things like:

• Draught excluders 
• Thermal curtains 
• Blankets
• Window insulation film 
• Thermal vests and leggings 
• Electric blankets 
• Hot water bottles 
• Additional rugs and other soft furnishings 
• Fireplaces
• Exercise and movement 

Keep in mind that while portable heaters can seem like a handy option to quickly heat a room in winter, they can be fire hazards and can increase your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you do feel the need to use one, try to do this only when you are in the room, never overnight while sleeping or when you are not in the house. 

Age UK recommends that in winter, older adults stay warm and well by moving regularly, eating healthy meals (do this even if you don’t feel like cooking), getting the relevant vaccinations to protect from seasonal illnesses, and stocking up on medications in case of illness. Past research suggests that around 41% of all excess winter deaths happen due to heart attacks and strokes, so paying attention to health in winter is particularly important for this age group. 

Summer Weather Changes 

In summer, you could:

• Open windows to allow air to pass through (only if air outside is cooler than inside) 
• Wear layered clothing that can be easily removed (helpful for those who cannot easily get up to change the temperature)
• Keep curtains closed
• Wear breathable clothing and pajamas 
• Stay hydrated 
• Avoid areas where the sun streams in 
• Turn off non-essential appliances and heating systems 
• Spend more time in the coolest rooms of the house, if needed (for example, if the bedroom is coolest, watch television there instead of in the living room)  

If the temperature reaches above 80°F, older people should take steps to stay cool, as they could more easily suffer from heat stroke. The signs of heat stroke include tiredness, dizziness, headaches, feeling or being sick, excessive sweating, pale or clammy skin, heat rash, cramps in the arms, legs or stomach, rapid breathing, a rapid heartbeat, extreme thirst, and weakness. If you recognise any of these signs in a loved one, seek medical help straight away as this could be a medical emergency. 

What are the most efficient ways to use heating and cooling systems?

Having a thermostat that can be easily programmed is often the best way to make sure an older person’s preferred (and safe) temperatures remain consistent. This can also improve comfort by making sure the temperature is at the ideal level before they get up in the morning. This device is usually simple to install, and can be set to whatever temperature is most comfortable for them. Some can also auto-adjust throughout the day and night depending on the outdoor temperature, and can be turned off when no one is in the home. 

It may be best, and more cost effective, to have these thermostats set at a consistent temperature rather than having them come on and off frequently. It is also necessary to ensure they are properly maintained with annual services to check they are performing well and to catch any issues early. This could help to extend their lifespan and avoid any unexpected costs if they break down. 

Other regular maintenance to consider includes replacing air filters and checking vents to make sure the home is as energy efficient as possible, which can keep costs consistent and manageable. For older adults who may struggle with home maintenance and administrative tasks like this, family members could help with things like scheduling boiler services to make sure everything is working as it should be.

If you are worried about heating costs, you may find advice on Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments, and Warm Home Discounts in our guide to financial benefits for pensioners.

How can families and home carers manage home temperatures for older people?  

Keeping a home warm in winter, cool in summer and energy efficient can be tough for older people who perhaps lack the ability to adjust challenging thermostat devices or to do maintenance like bleeding radiators and other home maintenance tasks. For this reason, having caregivers to offer support–whether family members or professional carers–can help older adults to stay safe and comfortable at home. 

Caregivers can help by:

• Regularly checking room temperatures to ensure they are within a safe range
• Making necessary adjustments for seasonal changes
• Keeping open lines of communication with older people to ensure they remain comfortable 
• Making sure they always have access to extra blankets, fans, and other tools to help them regulate their own temperature 
• Checking the home regularly to discover any drafts or other issues 
• Checking in on older loved ones during particularly cold spells or heatwaves 
• Recognising the signs of heat stroke and taking action in emergency situations
• Making sure any medications that could be sensitive to heat are correctly stored (most medications should be kept below 25°C away from direct sunlight) 

Our experienced, supportive Care Professionals can provide care throughout the seasons to ensure older adults remain safe and comfortable all year round, and to make sure their home is a place they always feel happy and content. For support with room temperatures in an older adult’s home, reach out to your local Home Instead office to discuss your options.

We’re an award-winning home care provider and part of a worldwide organisation devoted to providing the highest-quality relationship-led care for older people in their own homes. Arranging care for yourself or your loved one shouldn’t be stressful, so whatever questions you would like answered, feel free to reach out to the Home Instead team to discuss your needs.