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Original poster

Baby comforter for Dementia sufferer

23 replies

LowlandLucky · 20/03/2021 18:54

My Sister is in a Nursing home, she has Dementia. I haven't seen her for 15 months and i don't think i will get to see her again. I would like to send her a small soft toy rabbit as she gave one to me when i was born. She likes to hold a blanket close to her face, would it be ok to send her a baby's comforter instead ? Any advice from anyone that works in this sector would be much appreciated.

OP posts:
Silkiechooks · 20/03/2021 19:28

I've just asked my husband who works in a specialist dementia home. He says that although it's at each home's discretion, they certainly wouldn't have a problem with it at his work, they can quarantine it for 72 hours if they have concerns re covid.

I think it's an absolutely lovely idea, by the way, and I really think you should do it. I have two daughters with a bit of an age gap, and the eldest gave the youngest a toy bunny when she was born. I'd like to think they'll care for each other like this in years to come. I really hope you get to see your sister again Flowers

Kidsaregrim · 20/03/2021 19:32

You can buy dementia blankets on eBay they are soft on one side and have activities on the other

shinynewapple21 · 20/03/2021 19:39

My mum has dementia. She loves soft toys to hold and I think she would also like a soft blanket as you describe .

Does your sister live a distance from you so you are unable to travel to see her ? That must be difficult .

Soontobe60 · 20/03/2021 19:44

Some ideas her, OP
www.alzproducts.co.uk/sensory-stimulation-products-for-dementia

lordalmighty · 20/03/2021 19:53

I think you can send her anything you think she would like. The nursing home is essentially her home now and she is allowed to have her own belongings. My only concern would be the item going missing or being mistakenly taken by another resident so maybe having her name stitched in might be good? (I have worked in elderly care and dementia wards and patients taking eachothers items causes untold issues)

Pinkstars2501 · 20/03/2021 19:54

I work in a home with some people who have dementia.
I think it's a lovely idea. All I would say is to try and make sure eyes and nose are the kind that are made from thread, rather than sewn on plastic ones. Purely because we once had a resident put the plastic eye of a stuffed toy in her mouth and bite it clean off. Obviously a struggle to get her to give it up....

BeenHereForAges · 20/03/2021 20:03

I think it's a lovely idea too OP. Just keep in mind that other residents might pick the bunny up too tho so it may end up missing which would be a shame given the history. I think the dementia blanket idea sounds really good as an alternative.
I hope you both find comfort from your thoughtful gift.

StayOrGoOrWhat · 20/03/2021 20:07

I bought my dad a fiddle muff from the alzproducts website posted above. They had some soft toys on too. I don’t know if he is using it as I’m unable to see him but it looked lovely.

DancingDunes · 20/03/2021 20:12

DHs gran had quite advanced dementia and she loves a soft toy. She's not in a home as the faniky care for her at home but we've bought her soft toys. When I had my babies she loved them and thought they were hers so she was given a doll which was perfect as she didn't like the crying but wanted a baby. I'd get her one I'm sure she'll love it. The home can quarantine it if covid is an issue.

Davros · 20/03/2021 20:12

Look for Twiddlemuffs. Plenty on Etsy

jellybe · 20/03/2021 21:03

My mum is in the process of making my nana a fidget blanket as she has dementia.

I think it's a lovely idea to send her a rabbit/ baby comforter and you never know it might link to some memory for her of you as a baby.

ultrablue · 20/03/2021 21:21

[quote Soontobe60]Some ideas her, OP
www.alzproducts.co.uk/sensory-stimulation-products-for-dementia[/quote]
Some of the residents in the home that my Mom was in had the pets from this site which they seemed to love..

LIZS · 20/03/2021 21:28

Kathe Kruse do soft animal comforters

FedUpAtHomeTroels · 20/03/2021 21:53

I work in a Dementia nursing home, lots of residents love to hold soft toys, teddies, dolls etc. Best kind are washable ones as they get food on them or end up on the floor.
We have twiddlemuffs and other specialty things, but most love the soft toys and one loves a fake cat that meows.
We have baby dolls in handknitted clothes that are very popular even with the men.

Passthebubbly · 20/03/2021 22:01

Oh this makes me miss my dad so so much. He too had demntia. He loved his fiddle blankie as we called it. It had lots of sensory items attached including keys. He loved keys. We also found those toy dogs/cats/babies worked very well with him he used to love cuddling and looking after things. My heart goes out to you x

Doilooklikeatourist · 20/03/2021 22:11

Dad had dementia ,
He had a special blanket made with memories sewn into it that he could feel ( had macular degeneration, so had sight loss too )
It had bird song buttons and leaves to feel , he loved plants and nature , trees and flowers
I don’t know where it was bought from ( helpful ) I think it was a local charitable company that the nursing home knew
It gave a great deal of comfort to him
Have a look on eBay , Etsy etc

GrowThroughWhatYouGoThrough · 20/03/2021 22:14

Twiddle mitts seem to go down well with dementia patients it gives them something to do while holding something

PinkBuffalo · 20/03/2021 22:14

That would be fine op
My mums home you take stuff in and they quarantine it but mum generally gets it the next day
Also, not just people with dementia, I have developmental disabilities and sensory problems and I love soft things, people are always giving me toys/blankets etc
I am currently holding a soft toy dinosaur to my face as I type this. I think maybe the softness is a comfort but I not know how to explain it
I hope your sister likes it 🙂

minniemoocher · 20/03/2021 22:18

Just one suggestion, if you possibly can label it - residents will pick up each other's things and it helps the staff a lot

BruceAndNosh · 20/03/2021 22:21

If you buy her something which the care home staff report is a success, can I suggest you buy a spare in case it gets lost or damaged.

HomeEdRocks18 · 20/03/2021 22:55

I think it's a lovely idea and will give her great comfort. I gave my daughter's coach-built pram to a dementia unit (once she'd started walking) so they could push around their dolls in it.

JaceLancs · 21/03/2021 00:24

DF had cognitive damage following a severe stroke - he loved his cuddly blanket, hedgehog stuffed toy and toy cat that purred
I labelled them so they wouldn’t go missing if in laundry or another resident took a fancy to them
DM has Alzheimer’s but as yet isn’t at stage where this would help - she is comforted by things that provoke memories such as photos - music - tv programmes and even food

Original poster
LowlandLucky · 21/03/2021 11:19

I have gone ahead and bought the comforter, thank you all so much for your kind and helpful replies. Have a lovely Sunday x

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