Best Activity Pillows For Dementia And Alzheimer’s Patients 🕹️

Updated on 04/07/2020.

For many seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, fidgety hands are both a sign of, and a cause of, anxiety and agitation.

For many dementia patients, providing a safe, healthy activity for the hands can help calm nerves and reduce anxiety.

Tactile pillows and touch experiences may also help to retain manual dexterity and alleviate boredom.

Adults with dementia may be sensitive to fidget and activity pillows that are too child-like in color and design, so it can be important to please a more mature sensibility.  

And try to choose activity pillows that are suitable for any other medical needs; a person with arthritis may have less dexterity for some activity pillows, while some dementia patients may wrap ties or buckles around their fingers and reduce circulation.

With those needs and precautions in mind, here are some of the best activity pillows for dementia patients.

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Sensory4u Sensory Buckle Pillow 

Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This buckle pillow by Sensory4u has a wide range of clipping, zipping, threading, snapping, and buckling activities in a compact size.

Although it is primarily designed for children, the vivid colors are bright and friendly without being too toy-like.

It has a soft, plush surface covered with different safe and engaging activities to keep the hands busy.  

The Sensory4u Sensory Buckle Pillow is only 6.3 x 6.3 inches and weighs just a few ounces, so it’s easy to take anywhere, carried by one of the buckles or stashed in a bag.

It’s a great way to calm anxious hands and promote coordination.  

Fidget Blanket by AHI 

Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Although American Heritage Industries calls this a “blanket,” it’s actually a pillowcase designed to cover your own throw pillow (not included).

It’s an attractive pillowcase with a wide range of textures and moving pieces, perfect for fidgeting.

It has a zipper, hook-and-loop closure, ribbons, beads, a sliding buckle, and areas that are simply tactile for a soothing touch.  

The Fidget Blanket by AHI will cover throw pillows from 12-14 inches square. It comes in red, green, or blue, although each one has a colorful design.

AHI guarantees quality and stands behind their product with US-based customer support.  

Nasco Men’s Activity Pillow 

Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This senior activity pillow from Nasco has a masculine design and could be reminiscent of school days and boyhood.

Featuring textures like denim, flannel, and corduroy, it has buttons, laces, and buckles.  

Behind the laces is a vinyl photo frame that can hold a special picture or favorite saying.

The pant pocket has a small coin purse and key ring attached, which can be tucked inside.

This pillow can also be strapped securely to a tray for extra stability. 

The Nasco Men’s Activity Pillow measures 22 x 15.5 inches and is 1 inch thick with comfortable padding. It is completely machine washable.  

Play Pillow Buttons and Beads 

This play pillow from HONTER is small and soft, with a wide range of textures and surfaces to fidget with. It has ribbons, beads, pockets, buttons, and tassels.

There is a soft stress squeeze toy inside, and outside an attached plush toy can be slipped in and out of a pocket.

The muff shape of this pillow also keeps hands warm when inside, which some seniors enjoy.

The colors are rich and vivid, providing visual stimulation as well as tactile stimulation.  

The HONTER Play Pillow Buttons and Beads measures 12.2 x 8.5 x 2.9 inches and weighs just over 6 ounces. It is lightly padded for softness and is machine washable.  

The Original Fidget – Aqua & Silver Heart Sequin Pillow Fidget Toy 

This mermaid-style fidget pillow from Little Monkey Fashion is small enough to fit in the hand but offers hours of soothing sensory stimulation.

The reversible sequins are soothing to touch, provide visual stimulation, and create endless patterns.

It has an elastic strap to secure it in the hand while you are playing with it, and the heart shape will remind friends and family of your love.  

The Original Fidget – Aqua & Silver Heart Sequin Pillow Fidget Toy has reversible silver and blue sequins that change as you sweep hands or fingers over them.

It measures 4 x 2 x 4 inches and weighs less than an ounce.  

Playing with this pillow helps to develop fine motor skills, and fidgeting with it can be calming and soothing to the mood.

This manufacturer also makes similar mermaid fabric pillows in a huge range of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you can find the perfect one for your taste.  

Conclusion 

Activity pillows can be a great way to soothe and comfort dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, giving their nervous hands a constant source of interest and activity.

These pillows can improve mood, promote focus, and calm anxiety, so they are an excellent gift for a loved one who might benefit from an outlet for their fidgeting.  

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