Do your elderly loved ones get cold quickly but don’t want to carry around full-sized blankets? If so, gift them with a lap blanket! Throw flannels and blankets willA legal document that states how a person's property should be managed and distributed after death. keep the lower body warm and cozy without restricting the upper body’s mobility. That way, they can move around with ease.
Moreover, senior products like heat therapy blankets address specific health issues older adults develop over time. Arthritic patients can use them to minimize joint pain and inflammation. Meanwhile, weighted blankets can alleviate the symptoms of cognitive issues, dementiaA chronic disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive function beyond what might be expected fr..., or anxiety.
As their name suggests, you use lap blankets to cover your legs and lap. The most widely known options consist of fleece, cotton, and sherpa lining, among other lightweight, comfortable materials. These products retain heat best compared to linen blankets.
However, you can use lap blankets for many other purposes as well. For instance, adding an electric heater turns it into a large, all-night heating pad, while sewing in glass beads turns it into a weighted blanket designed to improve focus.
Finding the perfect lap blanket for your senior loved ones might prove challenging, especially with dozens of options on the market. Fortunately, we can help narrow down your choices. We made a brief roundup of the best weighted and heated blankets that you can have delivered straight to your home.
| Product Name | SensaCalm Weighted Lap Pad | ZonLi Weighted Blanket | SJC Cozy Lap Throws | Sunbeam Heated Throw Blanket |
| Cost | $39.95 | $39.99 to $129.99 | $29.99 | $79.99 |
| Design | 100% cotton, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic glass beads | Solid dark gray, 100% Cotton, evenly distributed glass beads | Double-sided fleece material | 100% polyester throw blanket |
| Weight | 2 lbs | 5lbs. to 20 lbs. | 1 lb | 3.52 lbs. |
| Size | 12" x 12" x 2" | 36" x 48" to 80" x 87" | 39" x 27" | 60" x 50" x 0.2" |
| Heat Settings | None | None | None | 3-heat settings |
| Machine Washable | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Product Name | Granny Jo Wheelchair Blanket | Zircon Electric Blanket Heated Throw Flannel | Eddie Bauer - Plush Sherpa Fleece Throw | Odoxia Fidget Blanket |
| Cost | $34.99 | $46.99 | $32.47 | $24.99 |
| Design | Two ultra-soft layers of mink and plush fleece | Brown throw flannel with reversible foot pockets | Polyester sherpa fleece throw blanket | Lap blanket loaded with pockets of puzzles and games |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs | 3.74 lbs | 1 lb | 0.37 lbs. |
| Size | 42" x 36" | 60" x 2" x 50" | 60" x 50" | 13.11" x 9.88" x 0.98" |
| Heat Settings | None | Adjustable 3-heat level | None | None |
| Machine Washable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Hand wash |
SensaCalm offers one of the most functional, affordable weighted lap blankets on the market. It weighs only a couple of pounds, so your older loved ones can carry it around with ease. Also, this blanket's machine washable and dryer friendly. You can even pop it in the dryer for a few minutes to make it warm and relaxing during the cold winter months.
| Pros | Cons |
| Safe for all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens | Can't be heated in the microwave |
| Small and easy to pack | Fabric is relatively thin |
| More affordable than other weighted lap blanket brands | Some might dislike its small size |
ZonLi offers a diverse range of weighted blankets. Whether you need a compact lap blanket for your older loved one in a wheelchair or a full-size blanket for better sleep, you'll find the perfect option. Moreover, each blanket comes with 5" x 5" pockets. Each compartment carries the same amount of glass beads, promoting even weight distribution across the entire blanket. This makes it convenient for transport to the bed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Broad range of designs | Can't be exposed to direct heat sources |
| Breathable polyester fabric enables temperature control | Glass beads might spill if you tear the fabric |
| Non-glue padding completely envelopes the beads | Larger sizes might feel too hot |
For seniors who think that weighted lap blankets feel too muggy, try SJC Lap Throws. These blankets weigh less than a pound, so you can use them any time you want without overheating. However, while they might not be the heaviest, hottest blankets on the market, their double-sided fleece materials will still keep you cozy.
| Pros | Cons |
| Corners snap together to keep the blanket positioned | Might feel too light for seniors with sensory issues |
| Has built-in pockets for your hands | Fleece materials get itchy if unwashed for too long |
| Super-lightweight and portable | Might be too small for cold nights |
The Sunbeam Heated Throw Blanket can keep your senior loved ones warm throughout the coldest nights. It features an adjustable three-heat setting and dual-sided ThermoFine tech. Plus, you wouldn't have to worry about the blanket overheating. It automatically shuts off after three hours of run time, making it perfect for elderly users who might forget to unplug the heater.
| Pros | Cons |
| Auto-shutoff feature at a 3-hour mark | Might feel a bit too warm for those in warm states |
| Adjustable heat settings | Controller wires look messy |
| Comes with 5-year service warranty | Smells synthetic out of the box |
If you need lap blankets for elderly wheelchair users, try this option from Granny Jo. It's a soft, comfortable blanket that helps keep wheelchair users' legs warm all day without making the body feel too hot.
Also, the blanket's dimensions were customized for a wheelchair and those who often wear adaptive clothingGarments designed with easy closures, elastic waists, and accommodating fits to assist seniors with .... As such, you don't have to worry about the edges dragging across the ground as your elderly loved ones use it throughout the day.
| Pros | Cons |
| Hook and loop keep blanket in place | Velcro straps at the sides feel itchy |
| Dimensions customized for wheelchair use | Not waterproof |
| Breathable fabric makes it suited for all-day use | Might feel too light for seniors with sensory issues |
The Zircon Electric Throw Blanket suits elderly individuals that live in areas with persistently cold weather. It's larger than a lap blanket, but it's not a full-sized one either. As such, seniors can bring these with them wherever they go without feeling too muggy or uncomfortable.
As for its safety features, it will automatically shut off after four hours. You wouldn't have to worry about your elderly loved ones' security, even if they accidentally leave this blanket running.
| Pros | Cons |
| Soft, wooly flannel warms up quickly | Might need washing upon arrival |
| Adjustable heat settings | Does not come with an instruction manual |
| Stays warm throughout the coldest nights | The plug has an awkward placement |
Eddie Bauer offers a myriad of flannel and plush lap blankets. In fact, their versatility in design options sets them apart from any other blanket brand on the market.
These blankets serve various purposes. Whether you need a convenient lap blanket to keep your elderly relative cozy in their wheelchair or a stylish throw blanket to place in your living room, Eddie Bauer has an option for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| Stylish, versatile throw blanket | Some patterns and lining gaps might appear crooked |
| Offers flannel and plush variations | Some seniors might find the lining itchy |
| Linen remains super-soft even after multiple washes | Weaving isn't so dense |
The Odoxia Fidget Blanket serves as the perfect lap blanket for dementia and Alzheimer's disease patients. It improves cognitive function and memory through straightforward yet effective puzzles.
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple games have proven to stimulate cognitive function | Doesn't provide much warmth as a lap blanket |
| Works with people of all ages | Only covers the upper portion of the legs |
| Safe, healthy fidgeting activity for patients | Some pockets might come loose or torn |
Are you on the fence about whether your loved ones would actually benefit from lap blankets? To help you reach an objective, informed decision, we made a brief comparison of how these products affect most elderly individuals.
| Pros | Cons |
| Helps improve the focus of patients with cognitive issues | Only covers the lap |
| Non-electric blankets keep you warm wherever you are | Not all blankets come with heaters |
| Wheelchair users don't need to worry about the seams hitting the floors | Sensitive materials might need careful handwashing |
| Manufacturers continuous look for ways to make their lap blanket lineup more inclusive | Can't replace full-size blankets |
| Most lap blankets could be used out of the box (no sewing needed) | Some lap quilts feel too hot and muggy |
Finding comfort for our elderly loved ones is the least we can do to ensure they’re taken care of. When buying them a lap blanket for a gift, choose a lap blanket that meets the following criteria:
Get a stylish design that resonates with the individual using it. Ideally, the blanket you gift should have a versatile look so that your loved one can bring them anywhere.
The materials your blanket uses play a crucial role in its quality. Rough fabrics with tough surfaces might feel itchy, while thin fabrics don't provide much heat.
Lap blankets don't differ much in size. However, if you're giving the blanket to a relatively large person, you'll need an equally large blanket. Ensure you get the right measurements before purchasing one online.
Heated blankets tend to feel muggy after a few hours. Fortunately, an adjustable heat settings feature allows users to regulate temperature levels throughout the day.
Opt for low-maintenance blankets that are machine washable and dryer safe. That way, your senior loved ones wouldn't spend too much time and effort cleaning their lap blankets.
Check out some questions shoppers commonly ask when buying lap blankets for their senior loved ones:
Smaller blankets typically measure around 12" x 12", but options built for larger individuals often go up to 48" x 40".
A wheelchair lap blanket should be wide enough to cover the user's entire lap but not too long that it already touches the ground. Look for options around 30" x 40".
Weighted lap blankets can help elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease and dementia improve focus throughout the day. Similarly, they can also alleviate symptoms of insomniaDifficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, a common issue among the elderly that affects overall h... and anxiety.
If you want a simple, all-around option, try the lap blankets at SensaCalm. Their blankets don't have a built-in heater, but each one's thick and cozy enough to provide several hours of warmth on its own.
Of course, feel free to explore other options as well. Overall, choose a blanket that matches your recipient's preferences, medical needs, and lifestyle.
Make the most of your comfortable lap blankets by getting a recliner as well! Senior Strong can even guide you through your options. Check out our comparison review of the most widely used lift chairs among seniors.
