Many seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia have restless hands, and they can often be seen fidgeting or wringing their hands. Providing a fidget blanket can soothe restless hands, by keeping them busy and providing a rich range of tactile activities. For many dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, busy blankets provide sensory input along with entertainment and improve manual dexterity and mood.
Features To Look For
When looking for a busy blanket for dementia or Alzheimer’s, there are a few features to keep in mind.
Style and Design
Many seniors are sensitive to using sensory devices designed for children and notice when they receive items that are clearly designed for infants. When possible, choose designs that reflect an adult sensibility
Color Palette
Busy blankets for dementia provide stimulation for the sense of touch, and engage the dexterity of the fingers and activate the mind and memory. But many seniors benefit from the engagement of all the senses, so it’s a great idea to choose fidget blankets that are also bright, vivid, interesting colors and patterns. Take the opportunity to stimulate as many senses as possible.
Memory Triggers
Fortunately, there are high-quality activity blankets with a wide range of designs. Some seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s may respond well to busy blankets with memory triggers. If they like cats or history, choose a fidget blanket that reflects their interests. Some fidget blankets also have small purses for coins or frames for photos, and seniors may respond well to images of loved ones or familiar trinkets used with the blanket.
Safety
Some dementia patients may need extra care with busy blankets. Small buttons may be a choking hazard, items may become detached, and long loose threads and strings may get wrapped around the fingers, reducing circulation. Be mindful of potential risks, depending on the individual health concerns of your loved one, and choose fidget blankets for Alzheimer’s patients that are well-made and sturdy.
Keeping all these features and precautions in mind will help you choose the right fidget blanket for your friend or loved one. And here are some of our top picks for the best busy blankets for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.
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Busy Blanket Reviews
Baby Sensory, Security & Teething Closed Ribbon Tag Lovey Blanket
Although it is designed for children, this sensory tag blanket from The Learning Lovey has a wide range of fabric and color options that would suit an adult with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This comforting blanket has a plush, textured fleece on the back that is warm and soothing. The top is made of smooth micro-polyester in a variety of patterns. Around the edges, this blanket has a number of ribbon tags, with different colors and textures, that invite holding, fingering, and tactile play.
The Learning Lovey’s Baby Sensory, Security & Teething Closed Ribbon Tag Lovey Blanket measures 14 x 18 inches, and has a toy link that allows it to be clipped to a bag, wheelchair, or belt. Or the link can be removed for a softer experience all over. The blanket is machine washable.
Pros ✅
- Good range of textures and tactile experiences
- Many available themes and patterns
- Safe to use
- Easily portable
- Machine washable
Cons ❌
- Not many different activities
- Designed for children
- Textured ribbons and fabrics that encourage tactile play
- Helps children develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally through sensory interaction
- Ribbons are sewn shut, so little fingers don’t get stuck in the loops
Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Alzheimer’s Fidget Blanket
This Alzheimer’s fidget blanket from Restless Remedy is their pattern “Beautiful Blue Dreamer” in gorgeous shades of blue. This activity blanket is a small quilt made of blue fabrics with a range of different patterns for visual interest. It has a number of activities and gadgets attached, for all kinds of tactile stimulation and fidgeting.
Activities include zipping, buttoning, and buckling, while tassels, lace, and ribbons provide a broad range of textures. It also has loops, a small brush, a keychain, and other fidget-worthy attachments.
The Restless Remedy Alzheimer’s fidget blanket is 23 x 23 inches. The top layer has a wide range of activities and textures. The bottom is lined with fleece, to prevent it from slipping off of a lap. In between, a layer of cotton batting provides more warmth and comfort. This busy blanket is machine washable, and all the attachments that shouldn’t be washed are removable. These activity quilts are handmade and come backed by a 30-day happiness guarantee.
Pros ✅
- Beautiful color and rich patterns
- Huge range of textures and tactile experiences
- Lots of activities and attachments to fiddle with
- Room to attach your own gadgets or memorabilia
- Machine washable
- Handmade
- Soft and comfortable
- Comes with a 30-day guarantee
Cons ❌
- Some attachments may come off with persistent tugging
- Benefits: My fidget quilt can be a soothing solution to the anxiety and restlessness that comes with...
- Happiness Guarantee: If for any reason you do not absolutely love the quilt let me know within 30...
- Safety: All fidgets are securely attached. Buttons are attached with button thread and the thread is...
Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fidget Blanket for Dementia
This fidget blanket for dementia is also from Restless Remedy but is in a pattern designed to honor our military and Army veterans. It has a masculine design, with military patterns and patriotic visual elements, for good visual interest.
It is made of fabrics that include denim, cotton, and flannel, and ribbon loops and patches of various textures and surfaces for additional tactile stimulation. It has a lot of activities, including a zipper, keychain, threading activities, and loops and attachment points for your own personal memorabilia.
The Restless Remedy Fidget Blanket for Dementia measures 23 x 23 inches. It is handmade, with quilted batting inside for extra softness and weight, and lined with fleece to keep it from slipping. This busy blanket is machine washable, and all the attachments that shouldn’t be washed are removable.
Pros ✅
- Rich colors and military patterns
- Huge range of textures and tactile experiences
- Activities and attachments to fiddle with
- Room to attach your own gadgets or memorabilia
- Machine washable
- Handmade
- Soft and comfortable
Cons ❌
- Some attachments may come off with persistent tugging
Conclusion
A busy blanket for dementia is an excellent way to provide stimulation and interest, while calming mood and comforting seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. These activity blankets are well-made, interesting, and attractive, and are sure to help soothe the restless hands of seniors who need it.
