The use of sensory activities can help people living with dementia make more meaningful connections to their past memories that may otherwise be difficult to recall.
That’s why aged care and retirement living provider, Bethanie, has partnered with youth-run not-for-profit Sensed, to provide sensory fidget blankets to residents living in the dementia care wing of Bethanie Como Aged Care Home.
The blankets include nine squares of fabric, quilted together in a three by three pattern. These squares are decorated with different colours, materials, pockets and zips, offering different textures and interactive elements for residents to feel and play with.
“These blankets have been so well-received by those who reside in our dementia care wing. They include so many sensations, colours and textures to appeal to all the senses. These blankets help unlock memories and they stimulate more meaningful conversation among the residents – which is fantastic to see,” said Facility Manager, Jane Case.
Offering these different sensory play options allows people living with dementia to make meaningful connections with their memories, and these connections mean the residents can properly engage with the blanket, stimulating feelings of comfort and security, and improving overall wellbeing.
Sensed works with Western Australian schools, community groups, dementia care facilities and the WA Quilting Association to create and distribute each sensory blanket. Born out of a small project team at the University of Western Australia, Sensed now works with the aim of improving the livelihood and wellbeing of individuals living with dementia.
Sensed Project Officer, Magdalene Soh said “Dementia affects over 500,000 individuals in Australia, and over 50 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, many of these people are confined to their beds due to the symptoms they are faced with. The aim of our blankets, with varying textures and sensations, is to provide comfort and stimulation to these individuals.”
With the sensory blankets being introduced in the lives of Bethanie Como Aged Care Home, Jane Case hopes that this will bolster Bethanie’s comprehensive and holistic dementia care program.
If you’re interested in making your own sensory blanket, you can find DIYs on Pinterest, like this one we found from Golden Carers (click here).
You can also learn more via this YouTube video:
