Do Weighted Blankets Work on the Elderly?
Weighted blankets have been recommended by occupational therapists and others for many years now, especially for children with anxiety, autism, sensory processing disorders and more. The weighted blankets provide therapeutic relief for many of these conditions. Now, family caregivers are wondering if the same benefits can be gained by using weighted blankets with elderly people as part of their elder care plans.
What Are Weighted Blankets?
Weighted blankets are specially-made and are heavier than usual. The weight comes from pockets of filling spread throughout the blanket. Instead of being stuffed with a fluffy poly filling, the quilted sections contain poly beads, dry rice, buckwheat, dry beans or sand. A weighted blanket typically weighs from 4 to 20 pounds. The weight is distributed evenly among the quilted pockets of the blanket, making it comfortable for the user.
Weighted blankets were first used to provide comfort and sensory control for autistic children, but research shows that weighted blankets actually provide many benefits to people of all ages with all kinds of mental and physical needs.
How Weighted Blankets Work
The body experiences a deep and calming effect when it is underneath a weighted blanket. People positively respond to deep pressure touch, like a hug or a massage, and a weighted blanket provides that. Deep pressure touch triggers the body’s production of chemicals and hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These hormones produce feelings of relaxation and reduce stress.
Studies show that weighted blankets can also help relieve symptoms of nervous system disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders. They combat anxiety and depression and can lower blood pressure and reduce the heart rate. Weighted blankets are also comfortable and warm, stimulating sleepiness as well. Seniors can use weighted blankets during the day with elder care assistants and at night when sleeping.
Weighted Blankets and Elderly People
For elderly people who have disorders such as anxiety, insomnia, or dementia, a weighted blanket can provide a comfortable and safe way to get calm and relaxed. It should be used to compliment treatment via medication and therapy. Research has shown that weighted blankets can help manage certain symptoms in people of all ages, and there’s no reason why seniors wouldn’t benefit as they try to manage these conditions.
Tips on Weighted Blankets for Seniors
Weighted blankets are not a one-size-fits-all. In fact, the proper weight is a key component of its effectiveness with elderly people. Family caregivers should consult with a doctor before getting a weighted blanket, but usually, the right weight is anywhere from 5 to 10 percent of the person’s body weight. Elderly people with circulation problems should only use a weighted blanket with approval from their doctor.
Elderly people can definitely benefit from using weighted blankets. They are a fine home treatment to help manage a number of conditions. Family members, elder care assistants and the elderly users of the blanket should work together to gauge its effectiveness in reducing anxiety and boosting relaxation and even sleep.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring home care services in Hartford, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.
Source:
http://www.healthline.com/health/weighted-blanket-for-anxiety#benefits2