Busy blankets, a sensory tool for Dementia patients

In the later stages of dementia, fidgeting hands is a common symptom. People find themselves touching and fidgeting with anything they can get hold of, and when there isn’t something to grab they can end up becoming agitated or upset. New Busy Blankets though, or fidget blankets as they are also commonly referred to, help those with fidgeting hands by giving them something to focus on.

Busy Blankets are a small piece of material that include various widgets and objects, personalised to match each person they are given to. The blankets offer a unique method of stimulating those with cognitive impairment, a symptom synonymous with dementia. The blankets include simple, everyday tasks such as tying a shoelace or buttoning up a coat. This helps people with dementia practice these tasks, potentially improving their cognitive function.

There are several different websites they can be purchased from, but it is also possible to make your own. They can be personalised to match a certain hobby or theme, giving the user a personal attachment to the blanket.

If you’ve got a loved one suffering from dementia, why not make your own? There are loads of tutorials online about how to make one, which means you can completely customize the blanket for your loved one.

If you want to find out more about Busy Blankets, check out ALZproducts.com, a website that specialises in both busy blankets and other products specifically designed for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.