A dementia fiddle blanket is a great way to keep idle hands occupied and combat restlessness for people living with dementia.
For those living with the condition, remaining unstimulated for long periods can lead to anxiety and agitation.
A dementia fiddle blanket engages and stimulates the brain and pleasure receptors through gentle sensory stimuli.
This guide will explain the sensory benefits of a dementia fiddle blanket and where to buy the best ones.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a small commission.
Here’s a summary of what we’ll cover in this article:
- A dementia fiddle blanket is an innovative product that helps keep people with dementia or other cognitive conditions entertained. It can be used at home, at the doctors or any other event where a lap or surface is available.
- Filled with activities and puzzles, it is a great way to occupy restless hands. This helps combat anxiety and agitation in people living with dementia that can worsen the condition or symptoms.
- There are many different styles available to buy online. The ones we have chosen include different designs and fidget toys to cater to different needs and likes.
What is a dementia fiddle blanket?
A dementia fiddle blanket contains lots of different activities that keep the hands occupied when sitting at home.
It is an easy-to-use dementia care product that is specifically designed for the needs of people living with dementia.
It can be used during activities such as watching TV or receiving personal care, like a haircut or foot massage.
What size are dementia fiddle blankets?
A dementia fiddle blanket is smaller in size than a regular blanket, it’s roughly the size of a laptop.
This means it can be spread across a lap or table to reveal interesting sensory patches and puzzles.
From buckles, pockets, zips and laces, the fidget blanket uses actions and sensations which can be enjoyed over and over.
What are the benefits of a dementia fiddle blanket?
Dementia fiddle blankets can be used to relax or stimulate someone living with dementia.
Having idle hands increases restlessness and brings on feelings of agitation, so a fiddle blanket is a great distraction tool.
While the hands are occupied the brain is distracted from physical sensations such as pain or discomfort.
It can also be a distraction from anxieties that may accompany certain activities or generally about living with the condition.
A stimulation aid
Using a dementia fiddle blanket is a great way to stimulate the brain. This is because they provide opportunities to move the hands and fingers and use the brain for simple tasks.
If your loved one with dementia can follow simple instructions, why not try this quick care activity.
Sensory Activity Idea
Using the features of their dementia fiddle blanket, provide simple instructions to guide certain tasks.
For example, you might say: Tie the bow and then open the green pocket. Then, place a coin inside the pocket.
Making the activity goal orientated can be both stimulating and rewarding, offering a sense of achievement and joy.
Where can you buy a dementia fiddle blanket?
Modaliv – 2-in-1 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Fidget Mat and Muff for Seniors
Key features:
- Dignified adult 2-in-1 design
- Strong, safe and made to last
- Encourages calm and tranquility
- Hand muff to warm cold hands and combat poor circulation
- Includes a range of sounds, textures and sensations
- This dementia fiddle blanket includes: zips, buckle, ribbons, pocket design and much more.
What the reviews say: Many people like the 2-in-1 design and found the dementia fidget mat and muff to be really helpful and comforting for their parents with dementia.
Price: £39.99
Oxdia Fidget Blanket for Dementia
Key features:
- Strong, safe and made to last
- Encourages calm and tranquility
- Stimulates brain activity
- Keeps restless hands occupied
- Practice motor skills with different fidget tasks
- Various levels of difficulty
- Great gift for a loved one
- Can be used in nursing homes and shared
- This dementia fiddle blanket includes: tie and buckle, ropes, denim pocket design, laces and more
What the reviews say: Well presented and great design. One reviewer said: ‘This mat is spot on – soft touches, hard touches, cold feeling items, fluffy comforting items, rings to fidget with, fabric to shuffle, a zip which is easy to pull up and down – gives an auditory sensory & a repetitive action.’
Price: £34.99
Oxdia Store Fidget Blanket for Dementia
Key features:
- Strong, safe and made to last
- Encourages calm and tranquility
- Stimulates brain activity
- Keeps restless hands occupied
- Practice motor skills with different fidget tasks
- Various levels of difficulty
- Great gift for a loved one
- Can be used in nursing homes and shared
- This dementia fiddle blanket includes: soft fur, ropes, pocket design, tabs and loops
What the reviews say: 5 star reviews all round for this dementia fiddle blanket. Reviewers liked the variety of activities and saw how it helped their loved ones with dementia feel calm and saw how well they engaged with the product.
Price: £31.99
Rainbow Star Fidget Blanket for Alzheimer Patients
- Strong, safe and made to last
- Encourages calm and tranquility
- Stimulates brain activity
- Keeps restless hands occupied
- Practice motor skills with different fidget tasks
- Various levels of difficulty
- Great gift for a loved one
- Can be used in nursing homes and shared
- This dementia fiddle blanket includes: buckles, colorful sequin, coin purse, Velcro, zippers, fluffy bath mat and so on, keeping restless hands busy.
What the reviews say: Great product, helps with dexterity and movements for people with dementia or who have had a stroke. It’s well made, large, and has an array of activities to keep them busy. Highly recommended.
Price: £39.99
If you need more information on how to support your loved one, why not try our dementia care guide, or sensory stimulation guide.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a small commission.
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