Elder Care – Understanding the Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Seniors
As we age, our sleep patterns and quality often change. Seniors may experience difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, which can lead to a host of health issues. One solution that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of weighted blankets. These cozy, heavy blankets provide a comforting embrace and have been shown to offer numerous benefits for seniors. Continue reading to learn about the advantages of these blankets and how the elder care team and loved ones can explore them as an option for seniors.
Improved Sleep Quality
One of the most significant benefits of weighted blankets for seniors is the improvement in sleep quality. Seniors often face sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea. Weighted blankets provide gentle pressure evenly distributed across the body, creating a sense of security and calm. This deep pressure stimulation helps reduce anxiety and restlessness, making it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress
Aging can come with its fair share of anxieties and worries, whether related to health, financial concerns, or the loss of loved ones. Weighted blankets have been shown to have an anxiety-reducing effect by promoting the release of serotonin and dopamine, which are natural mood-regulating neurotransmitters. Seniors who use weighted blankets often report feeling more relaxed, less anxious, and better equipped to manage stress.
Alleviation of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
An uncontrollable urge to move the legs, especially at night, is a common symptom of restless leg syndrome in seniors. Weighted blankets can provide comfort and pressure to the legs, helping to alleviate the symptoms of RLS. By minimizing leg discomfort, seniors can experience a more peaceful and restful night’s sleep. Additionally, the elder care team may be able to provide seniors with tips and tricks while they’re awake to help decrease the occurrence of RLS at home.
Enhanced Sensory Stimulation
Seniors often have a decreased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, which can impact their emotional well-being. Weighted blankets offer a gentle, continuous touch sensation, which can enhance sensory perception and promote relaxation. This is significant, as sensory stimulation is beneficial for seniors experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline.
Improved Mood and Mental Health
Weighted blankets can have a positive impact on mental health by increasing the release of endorphins and decreasing the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. As a result, seniors who use weighted blankets may experience improved mood and a sense of overall well-being.
Enhanced Sleep for Arthritis and Chronic Pain
As mentioned above, weighted blankets can help seniors sleep better. This might be particularly true for those suffering from chronic pain, such as arthritis. The gentle pressure of a weighted blanket can help alleviate joint pain and discomfort, making it easier to sleep through the night.
Conclusion
Weighted blankets offer a range of benefits for seniors, from improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety to providing relief from various discomforts associated with aging. Loved ones and the elder care team can talk to seniors about these benefits and see if they’d like to try them. It should be noted that it may take some time to get used to the blanket, so they may need ongoing encouragement.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elder care in Ardmore, PA, and the surrounding area, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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