Study (2022): Effect of weighted blankets on the health of elderly people in nursing homes
An increasingly aging population is a global phenomenon. Although this is seen as a positive step forward, the susceptibility to age-related health problems also increases with the aging population. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of weighted blankets on health in terms of quality of life, sleep, nutrition, cognition, activities of daily living, and medication in older people living in nursing homes.
A total of 110 older people participated in a trial with weighted blankets, of whom 68 completed the trial. Measurements of quality of life were taken before and after the trial. Various questionnaires were used, in which the nursing home residents had to provide information about their nutrition, sleep, and other aspects. Comparative statistical analyses were conducted.
After using the weighted blankets, the general health condition as well as the quality of life improved. Sleep also improved significantly, especially regarding nighttime awakenings. Nutrition and health as a cognitive ability improved through the use of a weighted blanket, and medication intake in the psychoanaleptic group decreased. The effect size ranged from small to large. It can be concluded that a weighted blanket can be an effective and safe intervention for older people in nursing homes, as several improvements related to the health of the elderly were achieved.
Source:
Hjort Telhede, E., Arvidsson, S., Karlsson, S., & Ivarsson, A. (2022). Weighted Blankets' Effect on the Health of Older People Living in Nursing Homes. Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland), 7(4), 79. https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics7040079
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