Elderly

Many doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists who advocate weighted blanket use believe deep pressure stimulation can stimulate serotonin and endorphin release in the brain, elevating mood like when one receives a hug.

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As a result, many nursing homes, hospital acute psychiatric wards, and caregivers for the elderly are beginning to experiment with using weighted blankets to help calm their anxiety-ridden and agitated patients.

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Sensory Pod Australia supplies many Mental Health Facilities and Hospitals throughout Australia with Weighted blankets and toys, whicto use at home.

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Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, Massachusetts, began using weighted blankets in its psychiatric unit in 2006. The hospital reported that using weighted blankets when patients felt agitated reduced the use of restraints.

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Harvard University also piloted weighted blankets at McClean Hospital's Geriatric Neuropsychiatry Unit. Again, using weighted blankets when elderly anxiety and dementia patients felt agitated reduced their stress and calmed them.

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Weighted blankets are a low-risk way to try to bring relief to a loved one. They can be used anytime and as long as needed to get a calming effect.