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"A decade ago, she invested in a building which hasn't produced income in over 5 years, but never the less, her name is still on the deed."
The value of the building is going to count against any kind of senior citizen relief for taxes and possibly for utility bills as well. Without knowing the total value of assets, one can't make an assessment.
If she has no plans to pass on the building to her heirs, she should probably be listing the building for sale. It may take longer to sell than the usual residential home, especially if it's a commercial property. Of course, timing will also be affected by how aggressively the property is priced.
Electric fireplace and gas heat (house set to 75).
Generally speaking the cost of electric heat is going to be about 3 times the gas. In other words you can heat 3 rooms with gas for the same cost of one with electric. If you give me your local rates I can tell you the exact comparison.
And hot water bottles still exist and are reuseable so only a small one time expense. I use one when we let the temp in the house dip to 65 degrees. It sits on my lap and I can put my hands on it. Or I can put it on or underneath my feet.
Even better, keep an electric heating pad in her chair (on her lower back), and even a heated throw also, if necessary. Minimal electricity usage. Make sure she has warm socks and yes, even "long johns" under her clothes if necessary. All these suggestions are better than keeping the whole house heated to suit her.
I have to use a heating pad on my back (for pain relief) almost all the time when I'm sitting in my spot on the couch, and when everyone else in the house is freezing, I'm comfy.
Even better, keep an electric heating pad in her chair (on her lower back), and even a heated throw also, if necessary. Minimal electricity usage. Make sure she has warm socks and yes, even "long johns" under her clothes if necessary. All these suggestions are better than keeping the whole house heated to suit her.
I have to use a heating pad on my back (for pain relief) almost all the time when I'm sitting in my spot on the couch, and when everyone else in the house is freezing, I'm comfy.
Just be very careful of using a heating pad with an elderly person, or anyone with compromised circulation, or anyone with dementia. They can get burned very easily.
im in southern cali and they have discounts on utility bills for the elderly....edison and the gas company offer something called a c.a.r.e/fera program where they discount your bill monthly you pay the full amount but they space it out so that you wont be paying a large bill every month...my dad uses all these resources... not sure if they offer this in the state your in but it wouldn't hurt to check....
Just be very careful of using a heating pad with an elderly person, or anyone with compromised circulation, or anyone with dementia. They can get burned very easily.
Yes, I thought about that later....be sure to put a towel between them and the pad.
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