I’ve noticed that weighted blankets have become quite popular over the last few years for comfort and improved sleep, and many people I know swear by them. My nephew actually put a weighted blanket on his Christmas wish list a few years ago and was quite pleased to have received the gift!
When I heard that weighted blankets and lap pads could be beneficial to seniors with dementia, I wanted to learn more to share with you.
According to the American Academy of Neurology’s Neurology Clinical Practice, “Insomnia occurs in one-fourth to one-third of patients with dementia and can lead to patient and caretaker distress and early institutionalization. An array of effects from the disease, medication, behaviors, and mood issues may play a role in influencing sleep.”
I actually know this to be true based on our caregivers’ experiences providing specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care in the Clearwater area, specifically, our caregivers who work nights during 24-hour shift-care schedules.
Studies indicate that weighted blankets are safe and effective at alleviating anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and more.
“The heaviness of (a weighted) blanket provides something called deep pressure therapy. When the body feels the gentle pressure, it produces serotonin. That improves mood and promotes calm,” explains Daily Caring, an award-winning caregiver website.
Weighted blankets and lap pads can be used anytime, day or night, for deep pressure therapy to promote relaxation, provide comfort, reduce anxiety and agitation, and improve sleep.
However, it is important to realize that weighted blankets and lap pads may not be recommended for seniors with serious medical conditions, like respiratory, circulatory, or temperature regulation problems. Please consult with your doctor to ensure that they are safe to use under these circumstances.
If you are considering purchasing weighted blankets or lap pads or you’re thinking of adding them to your holiday shopping list, you can find them online and at many of your favorite household supply stores. Just be sure you know how heavy they should be for your senior loved ones.
Weighted blankets come in a variety of weights, so choosing the right blanket is important.
Daily Caring suggests, “The usual guideline is that a blanket should be about 5 – 10% of your older adult’s body weight. Many adults will be comfortable with a blanket weighing 10 to 30 pounds, depending on their size. If they’re frail, you may want to be extra cautious and use a lower weight. And since lap pads cover a smaller area, the typical weight is about 2 to 5 pounds.”
Weighted blankets are great, but they may not provide enough comfort for a senior you love who suffers from some form of dementia. In cases such as these, Home Helpers delivers specialized care services by highly qualified professional, compassionate caregivers who are specifically trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care through our partnership with the National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care (NCBAC), I am happy to offer a FREE Assessment to discuss specific needs, so we can begin Making Life Easier® for your senior loved one to stay independent in their home for as long as possible.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Home Care Pulse Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers in 2023 and to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award 2023, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice Award 2023, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Award 2023.
We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠ (727) 240-3059
Sources:
Neurology Clinical Practice
Daily Caring
