If you want the short list, these are my top activity fidget blanket picks for seniors with dementia, and you’ll find the details on each one further down.
When someone you love has dementia, the restlessness, worry, and irritability can be hard to watch, and hard to ease.
Medication isn’t always a good fit, so many families look for calmer, gentler options. This article explains what fidget blankets (also called activity blankets, quilts, aprons, vests, or boards) are, what they do, and whether they really help.
You can make one yourself even with basic sewing skills or there are many ready-made fidget blanket options too that I’ve listed here.
What Are Fidget Blankets?
Fidget blankets are therapeutic quilts to which different items have been attached or sewn on. These items offer sensory stimulation that has a calming effect on Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
The blankets alleviate boredom in the elderly and provide a means of performing repetitive behaviors that are often comforting and distracting.
Items should provide different types of textures and different functions such as the ability to fold, wrap, rub, or click items together.
Colorful items and items that release scents are also useful on blankets. The idea is to stimulate as many of the 5 senses as possible.
It is however important not to attach any items to the blanket that could be harmful, used to cause harm, or are hazardous.
Items that are used repetitively are prone to wear and tear and the blanket may need to be mended or replaced on a regular basis.
How Are Fidget Blankets Used for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients?
The blanket with the items sewn into place can be placed in the lap of the elderly person while seated. The patient may automatically start fidgeting with the items or require some encouragement to touch and play with the items.
Although the blankets can also be referred to as activity blankets, there are no goals to achieve other than providing soothing sensory stimulation and alleviating boredom.
Blankets can also be placed on a table. An activity vest or apron is a good alternative to an activity blanket for seniors with dementia because they can be worn and are therefore with the person at all times. Pillows are also a good idea.
Do Fidget Blankets Work?
There is still much research that needs to be performed into how fidget blankets work for the elderly.
However, research has found that they are beneficial for reducing the above-mentioned symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s as well as alleviating stress, anxiety, and boredom.
Fidgeting or repetitive behaviors for comfort most often occur when a person is experiencing stress or anxiety. Providing an outlet for this stress through fidgeting is calming.
Some studies suggest that fidgeting or repetitive behaviors may even relieve pain in the elderly.
Sensory stimulation is believed to be a means of keeping the hands busy and preventing thoughts from escalating into negative emotions that often result in agitated or aggressive behavior.
To date, the data available suggests that fidget blankets do work to soothe and calm seniors.
How to Make a Fidget Blanket?
Fidget blankets are not that difficult to put together. Simply buy a lap quilt or piece of felt and attach items that would provide the necessary sensory stimulation. They also make a great sensory gift for dementia patients too.
Some preferred items include:
- Strings of beads that can be turned, pulled, counted and clicked together. Different shapes, sizes, colors and textures are a good idea.
- Satin and velvety ribbons that can be twisted, folded or wrapped around a finger.
- Different fabrics such as fur, sack cloth or material with colorful designs that can be touched, rubbed or traced with a finger.
- Loops through which string, wool or ribbons can be threaded.
- Hoops to which blunt hooks or clips can be attached and removed.
- Buttons and buttonholes that can be opened and closed. These are great on a pocket sewn into the quilt that contains a hidden treasure such as a glass bead or gem.
- Zippers make a great noise, cause vibrations and are very satisfying to open and close repeatedly.
- Latches and locks that are easy to open and close are also great. Be aware that these can be challenging and therefore frustrating for seniors that don’t have the greatest dexterity due to health conditions such as Parkinson’s or osteoarthritis.
Remember that each item should be attached securely to the blanket so that it cannot be removed. Durable items are better suited to be used on fidget blankets for dementia patients.
Below are some easy-to-follow patterns for fidget blankets:
- https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-make-sensory-blankets-for-dementia-care/5020/
- https://www.etsy.com/market/fidget_blanket
If DIY is not your thing, then there is a wide range of fidget blankets, aprons, vests, pillows and even muffs available for sale.
What Are the Best Activity and Fidget Blankets for Seniors with Dementia?
Some of our favorite fidget blankets for the elderly at Graying With Grace include:
Dementia Fidget Pillow Case
This one is a pillow case with activities built into it, made for adults with dementia. Slip a pillow inside and you have something comfortable to hold that also gives restless hands a job to do.
It is meant for people who get anxious or nervous when they have nothing to do with their hands. Fiddling with it can help them relax and gives them a way to practice hand skills. It also comes with various levels of difficulty, so there is something for different abilities.
It is also listed for other conditions, including autism, ADHD and anxiety, so it can work for more than one person in a family.
One thing to know: it is a cover, so you will need a pillow to go inside it. And it will not help everyone. If the person you care for does not enjoy fidgeting, or finds a lot of activities confusing, a simpler item may suit them better.
Wearable Fidget Apron for Dementia
This one is an apron, so it goes where the person goes. It ties at the back, which keeps it in place and keeps it from being dropped or pushed aside like a loose blanket can be.
The front has zippers, buckles, shoelaces and an abacus, along with textured fabrics. Restless hands get something to do, and that can help with boredom and anxiety for someone with memory loss.
It also frees up a caregiver’s hands for a few minutes, which is a real help on a busy day.
The trade-off is that a tie-back apron needs someone to put it on, so it is not something a person can easily slip on alone. It also suits someone who is comfortable with something worn over the clothes. If the person fiddles with the buckles or ties in ways that bother them, or tends to pull at things in frustration, a lap blanket may be a calmer choice.
Fidget Muff and Blanket
This is a fidget muff with a detachable fidget blanket. The muff is a sleeve you slip both hands into, and it has a variety of sensory activities to keep restless hands busy.
Many people with Alzheimer’s or dementia get anxious or fidgety when they have nothing to do with their hands. Something soft to feel and fiddle with can help them settle and feel safe.
The activities come in various difficulty levels, so there is something for different abilities. The blanket comes off when you want just one or the other.
It also suits a care home, since it can be shared between residents and stored easily when not in use.
One thing to know: a muff with a lot of pieces to pull and twist needs someone nearby at first. If the person tends to put things in their mouth, check that nothing on it is loose or comes away.
Busy Board Activity Board
The Busy Board is ideally suited to the male gender with suitable colors and activities to keep them stimulated.
Much more hardware and less of the soft touch plus plenty of gadgets that can be opened and closed to keep hands that are used to being busy and active.
The board is a little more costly but durable and one of the few items specifically created with men in mind. There are a few color choices too.
Dementia Fidget Sensory Blanket
This fidget blanket is made for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s who are restless or anxious. It gives their hands something to do, which can help them settle.
It has zippers, colorful straps, elastic cords, tassels and embroidered sequins. There are also detachable sound elements meant to ease anxiety. The sequin area is enlarged, so there is plenty to run a hand over.
Working the zippers and cords also exercises fine motor skills. It can be used at home or in a care setting.
One thing to know: it is built around touch and sound, so it won’t suit someone who dislikes noise or busy textures.
Fidget Blanket for Dementia
This fidget blanket is made for adults with dementia. It has colorful activities and different textures to keep hands busy, and the idea is to ease boredom, restlessness, and the worry that can come with memory loss.
Some of the activities copy everyday tasks, which can give a person something familiar and purposeful to do. It is also made for people with Alzheimer’s, autism, ADHD, and anxiety, so it may suit others in the family too.
It folds down to 22 x 28 cm and has handles, so it is easy to carry to a visit or an appointment.
One thing to know: a fidget blanket works best with a little company at first. Sit with your loved one, show them a few of the activities, and watch how they respond. It will not appeal to everyone, and a person who prefers quiet or does not like touching things may pass on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the common questions people have about using fidget blankets and activity boards for seniors with dementia. If your question isn’t answered, feel free to ask in the comments below.
Do Fidget Blankets Work?
Yes, fidget blankets work to alleviate agitation, aggression, stress, anxiety, boredom, and depression in the elderly suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. (source)
Why Do Dementia Patients Fidget?
Dementia patients may fidget in reaction to stress and anxiety to soothe and calm themselves. However, it could also simply be due to boredom.
Another reason is believed to be a way to alleviate thought processes that can be frustrating and lead to negative behaviors such as aggression and agitation. (source)
What Size is a Fidget Blanket?
Fidget blankets come in different sizes and shapes. Ideally, the blankets are small enough to fit on a lap or table where the activities and items on the blanket can be easily accessed.
However, you can buy or make just about any size or shape fidget blanket.
What Can You Put on a Fidget Blanket?
You can put just about anything on a fidget blanket that won’t cause harm to the senior, can’t be used to harm others or that are hazardous. Items that stimulate 4 of the 5 senses are ideal – touch, sight, sound, and smell.
It is a little more difficult to add items that stimulate the sense of taste. Items should always be attached securely and replaced or repaired when they become worn.
Be aware when replacing items that they should be as similar to the old items as possible.
Seniors become familiar with certain items on the blanket and their favorites are the ones that are likely to deteriorate the fastest. Changing items can cause confusion, distress, and anxiety.
Wrapping Up
Most people are familiar with the memory loss and cognitive decline that are associated with diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
However, few are aware of the more common symptoms of agitation, aggression, irritability, depression, and apathy that are common to most people who have been diagnosed with one of these conditions.
Patients, caregivers, and loved ones often find these the most difficult to deal with. Although the symptoms are treatable with medications, this is not ideal or recommended.
Alternatives such as the fidget blanket provide the perfect way to help alleviate the most common and devastating symptoms of cognitive degenerative disorders without any side effects or negative health consequences.
Very helpful
Thank you. I wasn’t sure of size, plus more good ideas for decorating.