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I’ve been reading how weighted blankets can calm anxiety and improve insomnia and get a more restful sleep. There seems to be proof it helps persons with dementia. Has anyone here ever used one for their loved one?
My husband and daughter have Aspergers (on the autism spectrum) and I have made them weighted blankets. If you sew at all they are quite easy to make. I bought the plastic beads on ebay. Just google how to make a weighted blanket and you'll find all sorts of instructions.
Not heard of the weighted blanket, however, I urge you to go to youtube and watch a video called Alive Inside. Have a tissue handy. I bought the headset for my mom when we go to dr. appointments, ride in the car, etc. to help keep her "with me mentally" on outings. You won't be sorry to at least watch the video. Best of Luck
Harpcat, the MC is using an old electric blanket not plugged in *instead* of a weighted blanket. The weight of the cord inside the blanket is significant, but the fabric's also easily washable and replaced with others from Goodwill. My DIL made a weighted blanket for their oldest daughter using the weighted beads and it leaks in the dryer every time it's washed, so I think the electric blanket is a good compromise.
I found this website and am sharing the link. There are tutorials to making them too. As jeannegibbs said, we’ve spent more than that on other items. They also make lap robes and wraps for the shoulders. I hadn’t thought about Temple Grandin but yes you’re right she figured out about the gentle pressure helping to calm. Much like the thunder coats they make for dogs who get agitated during thunderstorms. Here is the link which I hope is allowed. dailycaring.com/weighted-blankets-in-dementia-care-reduce-anxiety-and-improve-sleep/
Wow, this is really interesting. I worked 20 plus years in psych settings and never heard of this! Makes perfect sense and I will file this away for future needs.
My teenage grandson was having trouble sleeping and a councilor suggested a weighted blanket. He did some research on it, thought it may help, and asked for one for Christmas. He has found it to be helpful.
I’ve said it before - there are many similarities between Autism and Dementia.
Weighted vests and weighted blankets are commonly used to calm and soothe individuals with autism. If you can catch a meltdown before it hits full steam and apply the weighted item, it can be very effective at defusing.
I’ve never heard of these weighted items being used with folk with dementia but it makes sense to me as like I said - I think the haywiring that occurs in the brain in the two conditions have similar symptoms and thus possible similar approaches towards treating and dealing.
Rainman had a weighted vest during his school years. One of Rainman ticks is that he paces - and paces - nonstop and it can drive you nuts! The weighted vest greatly reduced his pacing - not because it was heavy and cumbersome but for some reason it calms him.
Temple Grandin is a woman with high functioning autism. She is fairly famous as an author and speaker concerning autism- there was even a TV movie about her - plus 60 Minutes, GMA etc. Temple is also a well respected animal behavior expert- her largest contribution comes from designing farm/cattle pens, chutes, fences etc that keep the animals calm. For this Temple used the theory of applying slight pressure or in other words - weight. Temple came up with this idea from her own life - she has designed “machines” for herself that apply pressure or weight - she finds it immensely calming.
Okay - sorry about that. Back to the point. Weighted blankets or vests need not be expensive - if you are the crafty sort and can sew. My mother made several weighted vests for Rainman over the years as he grew. School Special Ed classrooms usually has them but I liked that Rainman could have his own to wear whenever he needed it. If you know any Special Ed teachers they might be able to point you in the direction as to how one can make a weighted vest or blanket at home.
Yes they aren’t cheap but if it works it’d be worth it. The quilted pockets are filled with plastic beads. The weight is determined by size and poundage of the person using it. @Surprise..when you said you used one were you referring to the electric blanket like your mom's r an actual weighted blanket?
Oh, well worth trying for someone who "needs" it. I certainly spent more than that on some items for Coy. For myself, it seems a little extravagant for a blanket. I'm still considering it, though.
Seems they are very expensive, aren't they? When I read about them I thought, oh! I want one for me! until I got to the price. So I don't blame you for seeking feedback from others who have used them. I'll be watching to see the responses, too.
The Memory Care uses one on mthr to keep her more calm. You can buy those made with sand/plastic beads as people use for autistic children. But our MC uses an electric blanket which is almost as heavy and has the same effect. They disposed of the electric cord since mthr is unable to tell if she's too hot, but it works well. I even used one all last summer and it is very comforting!
I've never heard of a weighted blanket. I would be interested in hearing people's experience as well. As long as it is safe, I think everything is worth a try.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
dailycaring.com/weighted-blankets-in-dementia-care-reduce-anxiety-and-improve-sleep/
Weighted vests and weighted blankets are commonly used to calm and soothe individuals with autism. If you can catch a meltdown before it hits full steam and apply the weighted item, it can be very effective at defusing.
I’ve never heard of these weighted items being used with folk with dementia but it makes sense to me as like I said - I think the haywiring that occurs in the brain in the two conditions have similar symptoms and thus possible similar approaches towards treating and dealing.
Rainman had a weighted vest during his school years. One of Rainman ticks is that he paces - and paces - nonstop and it can drive you nuts! The weighted vest greatly reduced his pacing - not because it was heavy and cumbersome but for some reason it calms him.
Temple Grandin is a woman with high functioning autism. She is fairly famous as an author and speaker concerning autism- there was even a TV movie about her - plus 60 Minutes, GMA etc. Temple is also a well respected animal behavior expert- her largest contribution comes from designing farm/cattle pens, chutes, fences etc that keep the animals calm. For this Temple used the theory of applying slight pressure or in other words - weight. Temple came up with this idea from her own life - she has designed “machines” for herself that apply pressure or weight - she finds it immensely calming.
Okay - sorry about that. Back to the point. Weighted blankets or vests need not be expensive - if you are the crafty sort and can sew. My mother made several weighted vests for Rainman over the years as he grew. School Special Ed classrooms usually has them but I liked that Rainman could have his own to wear whenever he needed it. If you know any Special Ed teachers they might be able to point you in the direction as to how one can make a weighted vest or blanket at home.
I've never heard of a weighted blanket. I would be interested in hearing people's experience as well. As long as it is safe, I think everything is worth a try.