Weighted Comfort Story
There are fewer items available to those who have Dementia, Alzheimer's, or other special needs than weighted items.
Most of these items include weighted blankets or weighted stuffed animals. However, it is not limited to just these areas. Most items made of soft material can be modified to be weighted to add comfort to those who may be suffering.
You may ask, what are these products, and how would a person use them?
I started sewing these items when a client asked if I could make a weighted blanket and stuffed animal for her grandson, who was autistic. I immediately researched Autism so that I could understand the need and why.
The reason for the weight is to calm, comfort, and hug them.
With stuffed animals, the weight may provide a bit more substance for those needing comfort. Some have said it is like having a friend with them all the time. And others have referred to these items as always being there to give them a hug when they are lonely.
So I made a weighted dolphin stuffed animal. I also made a beautiful whale design soft blanket. Both were weighted with plastic pellets.
He loves both items and does not share with anyone, said the young boys mother.
Through more research and experience working in a memory-care facility here in the Salt Lake area, I learned that these products also help those with Alzheimer's and Dementia.
Autistic, Dementia, and Alzheimer's individuals tend to get anxious, and these weighted products often help calm them down and give them the feeling of being hugged.
I have seen the weighted blankets make such a difference for many residents struggling to sleep, said Rhett, director at Barrington Place Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Clinton. I have seen a weighted blanket help a resident go from wandering around our community at night because they cant sleep to being able to sleep for hours at a time. What a dramatic change, and it improves their quality of life in so many other areas as well.
I love to think of the weighted items I make as my way of being able to give a hug to those in need even when I am not there. I love to give hugs and smiles.
I am so thankful that I have the chance to help comfort others by making these weighted items for those needing comfort.
So, if you see someone having a bad day, please give them a hug.
Article submitted by Judy Byerly with
Custom Designs by Judy
Most of these items include weighted blankets or weighted stuffed animals. However, it is not limited to just these areas. Most items made of soft material can be modified to be weighted to add comfort to those who may be suffering.
You may ask, what are these products, and how would a person use them?
I started sewing these items when a client asked if I could make a weighted blanket and stuffed animal for her grandson, who was autistic. I immediately researched Autism so that I could understand the need and why.
The reason for the weight is to calm, comfort, and hug them.
With stuffed animals, the weight may provide a bit more substance for those needing comfort. Some have said it is like having a friend with them all the time. And others have referred to these items as always being there to give them a hug when they are lonely.
So I made a weighted dolphin stuffed animal. I also made a beautiful whale design soft blanket. Both were weighted with plastic pellets.
He loves both items and does not share with anyone, said the young boys mother.
Through more research and experience working in a memory-care facility here in the Salt Lake area, I learned that these products also help those with Alzheimer's and Dementia.
Autistic, Dementia, and Alzheimer's individuals tend to get anxious, and these weighted products often help calm them down and give them the feeling of being hugged.
I have seen the weighted blankets make such a difference for many residents struggling to sleep, said Rhett, director at Barrington Place Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Clinton. I have seen a weighted blanket help a resident go from wandering around our community at night because they cant sleep to being able to sleep for hours at a time. What a dramatic change, and it improves their quality of life in so many other areas as well.
I love to think of the weighted items I make as my way of being able to give a hug to those in need even when I am not there. I love to give hugs and smiles.
I am so thankful that I have the chance to help comfort others by making these weighted items for those needing comfort.
So, if you see someone having a bad day, please give them a hug.
Article submitted by Judy Byerly with
Custom Designs by Judy
