6 Blankets for Nursing Homes that Are the Right Size and Easy to Care For

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Senior Home Safety Specialist®
20 years of medical equipment experience
Compassionately helping seniors and their caregivers solve challenges of aging
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A senior's favorite home blanket may not be the best choice for a nursing home because of a difference in bed sizes, the laundering process, and different temperature needs. Here are the best blankets for nursing home residents that address these issues.

Blankets for Nursing Homes
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Blanket NameWhy It’s a Good Choice for Nursing Home Residents
Muslin Comfort 365 Blanket – Made of 100% all-natural muslin for a soft, comfortable feel.
– Temperature-regulating properties ensure comfort in various weather conditions.
– The size is suitable for nursing home beds.
LOMAO Sherpa Fleece Blanket – Dual-sided design offers different senses of softness.
– Lightweight, warm, and perfect for use on a bed.
– Machine washable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Bedsure Fleece Blanket – Enhanced premium microfiber provides ultimate comfort and warmth.
– Lightweight and easy for seniors to handle.
– High durability and resistance to fading and shedding.

Choosing the perfect blanket for a loved one in a nursing home involves more than just selecting a random design from a store shelf. The key concerns revolve around comfort, warmth, ease of use, and durability.

The blanket should be soft and cozy to the touch, yet able to maintain an optimal temperature. It should be lightweight and easy for seniors to handle, and it should also be durable enough to withstand regular washing.

Importantly, the size of the blanket is a key consideration, as it needs to fit the nursing home bed perfectly.

If you’re pondering over the appropriate size for the nursing home bed: if the blanket is primarily for bed use, then a size of 50″ x 60″ or 60″ x 70″ would be ideal, depending on your loved one’s height and the bed size.

In the following sections, we will explore these products in more depth and other top-rated options. We will discuss their key features, their benefits, and how they specifically address the needs and challenges that seniors and their caregivers often face.

We will also consider factors such as the range of colors and patterns, care instructions, and pricing.

By sticking with us through this exploration, you’ll gain insights into the best blankets for nursing home residents. You’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that ensures comfort and warmth for your loved ones, ultimately enhancing their quality of life

What’s the Best Size for Nursing Home Blankets?

If you are wondering which size will suit your nursing home bed, then you need to consider a couple of factors: if you only use it for your bed, then the ideal size is 50″ x 60″ inches or maybe 60″ x 70″ depending on your height and size of the bed.

On the other hand, if you want to use the blanket both on your bed and in your wheelchair, you will need a slightly smaller size. In that case, you should look for a blanket with a size of 34″ x 44″. Or, you could just fold a larger blanket into multiple layers.

Another thing you should consider is the fabric. Nursing homes usually wash everything in high heat to sanitize it. You should pick a machine-washable blanket so that its fabric doesn’t degrade over time.

Be sure to choose a material that can withstand the temperature of water used by the nursing home to wash clothes and blankets. You should also make sure the blanket is properly labeled if the facility is washing it.

If you decide to wash it yourself at home, make sure to have another available to swap it out with.

What Are the Best Blankets for Nursing Homes?

Now that you know about the sizes of blankets for nursing homes, let’s take a look at some of the best blankets in this category:

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The 365 Blanket by Muslin Comfort

$199.99

Use Code GWG and Save 15% Off Regular Prices!

The Muslin Comfort 365 Blanket is a great choice for seniors due to its breathable, temperature-regulating properties, and its soft and durable material.

Pros:

  • The blanket is made of muslin cotton, known for its open weave that allows for airflow, providing comfort and preventing overheating.
  • The blanket has excellent temperature-regulating properties, which can especially benefit seniors with difficulty maintaining their body temperature​.
  • The muslin cotton used in this blanket is not only soft to the touch, but it also boasts durability, ensuring the blanket can withstand regular use over time​.

Cons:

  • The product may not offer a wide range of colors or patterns, which could limit personalization options for seniors who may prefer specific styles or colors.
  • The blanket might be priced higher than others in the market, which could be a deterrent for seniors on a fixed income.

The Muslin Comfort 365 Blanket is a fantastic product with many benefits to seniors living in a nursing home. Its primary material, muslin cotton, is well-regarded for its breathability.

This is an essential feature as seniors often have difficulty regulating body temperature, and a breathable blanket can help prevent overheating while providing the necessary warmth​.

The muslin cotton used in the blanket is not just breathable but also soft and durable. There is a reason this is the usual fabric chosen for reusable baby diapers! The softness can provide much-needed comfort, especially for seniors with sensitive skin or those who spend a lot of time in bed.

On the other hand, durability means the blanket can withstand regular use, which is essential given the frequency of use in a nursing home environment​.

The blanket’s temperature-regulating property is another feature that deserves special mention. This property ensures the blanket is “not too hot, not too cold — just right,” providing seniors with a sense of comfort and ease when using the blanket​​.

However, there could be some potential downsides to consider. The blanket may not offer a wide variety of colors or patterns, which could be a limitation for seniors who wish to personalize their space or have specific preferences.

The price could also be a deterrent, especially for those on a fixed income.

Despite these potential cons, the Muslin Comfort 365 Blanket’s pros far outweigh them. Its breathability, temperature-regulating properties, and soft and durable material make it a great choice for seniors, providing them with comfort and warmth while considering their specific needs.


LOMAO Sherpa Fleece Blanket Fuzzy Soft Bed Blanket Dual Sided Throw Blanket fit Couch Sofa (Grey,51x63)

LOMAO Sherpa Fleece Blanket

$23.99
as of 09/22/2023 9:55 am

The LOMAO Sherpa Fleece Blanket, with its dual-sided softness, unique design, and easy maintenance, is a comforting and practical choice for seniors living in nursing homes.

Pros:

  • The dual-sided blanket features a coral fleece Jacquard face and a Sherpa fleece reverse, offering different senses of softness to accommodate varying comfort preferences
  • Despite its luxurious plushness, the blanket maintains a lightweight structure, ensuring warmth without overwhelming weight, benefiting seniors with frailty or limited strength
  • The blanket can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and tumble dried at low temperatures, facilitating easy upkeep which is ideal in a nursing home setting where regular cleaning is necessary

Cons:

  • While the dual-sided design offers varying degrees of softness, it may also render the blanket too warm for individuals who prefer cooler sleeping conditions.
  • The blanket is perfect as a throw blanket, but for seniors who might want to use it as a bed blanket, they might need to consider the size and whether it fits their bed.

The LOMAO Sherpa Fleece Blanket is an excellent choice for seniors living in nursing homes, thanks to its unique design and versatility.

The dual-sided design provides a coral fleece Jacquard face and a Sherpa fleece reverse, allowing users to choose the side they find most comfortable. This can be particularly beneficial for seniors with skin sensitivity issues who require a gentler touch from their bedding materials.

Furthermore, the lightweight nature of the blanket is a key feature that can’t be overlooked. Despite its plush thickness, it doesn’t overwhelm with its weight, a factor that is especially important for seniors who may struggle with heavy blankets due to frailty or limited strength.

The LOMAO Sherpa Fleece Blanket provides the perfect balance of warmth and lightness, which can help promote better sleep and overall comfort for seniors in a nursing home setting1.

Another major plus point for this blanket is its easy maintenance. The blanket can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and tumble-dried at very low temperatures, making it an easy-to-care-for option.

In a nursing home environment, where spills and stains may be common, having a blanket that holds up well to regular washing is a significant advantage. The ease of cleaning also means less hassle for the nursing home staff or family members who assist with laundry.

On the downside, the blanket’s plushness may make it too warm for some individuals, especially women in menopause or those who prefer cooler sleeping conditions.

While the blanket is perfect as a throw for couches and loveseats, its dimensions make it appropriate for most nursing home and hospital beds too. But, it may require a larger blanket underneath for full coverage.

In conclusion, the LOMAO Sherpa Fleece Blanket, with its dual-sided softness, lightweight warmth, and easy maintenance, proves to be a comforting and practical choice for seniors in nursing homes.

Despite a few potential drawbacks, its overall design and functionality make it a worthy consideration for any senior seeking a soft, warm, and easy-to-care-for blanket.


SLPR Blue Symphony 50" x 60" Cotton Patchwork Quilted Throw: Traditional Checkered Quilt, Lightweight Summer Coverlet, Quilted Blanket for Couch, Plaid Bedding Lap Cover, Farmhouse Cotton Quilt

SLPR Blue Symphony Cotton Patchwork Quilted Throw

$46.80
as of 09/22/2023 9:55 am

The name throw blanket shouldn’t be your concern as long as it serves your purpose in the nursing home. The SLPR Blue Symphony Quilted Throw is ideal to keep you warm and cozy in your bed.

It comes in one size only: 50″ x 60″. Made of 100% cotton, this blanket is one of the softest and doesn’t suffocate you when you slip under it.

The breathable cotton makes you feel as if someone is hugging you lightly. Plus, the light weight of this blanket is another reason why it makes it to the top of the list.

You won’t feel heavy when you put this blanket on, yet it will warm you up in a few minutes.

Key features:

  • This blanket looks incredible with its patchwork design sewn into individual fabric squares.
  • There is a country charm to this blanket. It’s the kind of blanket that you wish you had in your home.
  • It is 100% machine-washable and it retains its beauty and color after you tumble dry it.

NEWLAKE Quilt Throw Blanket with Reversible Floral Patchwork, Blue Jacquard, 60X78 Inch

NEWLAKE Quilt Throw Blanket

$34.89
as of 09/22/2023 9:55 am

If you love exotic, colorful patterns, then this blanket is for you.

The size is usually for someone tall and using a big nursing home bed. With a 60″ x 78″ covering area, it is big enough to cover you nicely and your caregiver can also tuck the blanket under your bed so that it doesn’t slide off while you sleep.

The close boxed double stitching ensures that the blanket keeps it’s the uniform filling inside even after you wash it. You can use this blanket as a reversible throw in your home while watching TV in your recliner or reading a book.

Key features:

  • The soft cotton fabric gives a body-hugging feeling when you put this blanket on.
  • The decorative patterns make the blanket look unique.
  • It is completely resistible to fading and wrinkling. You can wash it as many times as you want and it would look like new every time it comes out of the washing machine.
  • You can use it as your blanket, bedding throw, bed cover, picnic rug, and bedspread.

Bedsure Fleece Blanket Throw Blanket Teal - 300GSM Throw Blankets for Couch, Sofa, Bed, Soft Lightweight Plush Cozy Blankets and Throws for Toddlers, Kids

Bedsure Fleece Blanket

$13.99
as of 09/22/2023 9:55 am

The Bedsure Fleece Blanket is a versatile, comforting, and high-quality choice for seniors in nursing homes due to its soft, lightweight, and durable features.

Pros:

  • The blanket’s softness and warmth offer comfort all year round.
  • Being lightweight, the blanket is easy to manage and doesn’t place any additional weight or stress on the user.
  • Resistance to fading and shedding, the blanket offers long-term use, important for use in a nursing home.

Cons:

  • Its lightweight nature, while generally a pro, may not provide sufficient warmth for seniors who typically feel extremely cold.
  • The blanket’s 100% polyester material may not be suitable for those with certain allergies or sensitivities to synthetic fabrics.

The Bedsure Fleece Blanket’s material, design, and construction features cater well to the specific needs of elderly individuals living in nursing homes.

Its softness and warmth offer a significant level of comfort, which is paramount for seniors who might be dealing with various physical discomforts.

The blanket’s plush microfiber provides a feeling of luxury, providing both physical warmth and a comforting presence for seniors who might feel anxious or lonely.

This lightweight blanket can be especially beneficial for older individuals with limited strength or mobility. It’s easy to manage, whether being moved from the bed to a chair or being adjusted during use.

The blanket’s lightness doesn’t compromise its ability to provide warmth, thanks to its well-balanced design, which maintains the right level of insulation.

It is durable enough to withstand regular use and washing required in a nursing home. It boasts neat stitching and a robust connection at the seams, providing significant value for money. The blanket resists fading and shedding, maintaining its appearance and quality over time.

Finally, the blanket’s versatility allows it to be used in various situations – whether being used in bed, taken to communal areas within the nursing home, or even used outdoors during cooler weather.

Its range of sizes and colors also offers a personal touch, allowing seniors to choose a blanket that suits their individual preferences.

Overall, the Bedsure Fleece Blanket is a product that prioritizes comfort, convenience, and durability, making it a good choice for seniors in nursing homes.


BARMY Weighted Lap Blanket (48"x24", 6lbs) Weighted Lap Pad with Removable Cover for Adults, Teens and Kids, Cotton Inner Blanket, Weighted Throw Blanket - Cool Gray

BARMY Weighted Lap Blanket

$49.99
as of 09/22/2023 9:55 am

The Barmy Small Weighted Lap Blanket is ideal for those who want to use it on a nursing home bed and also as a wheelchair blanket too.

It is a relatively small blanket with a size of 44″ x 24″. As the name suggests, the blanket will cover from your chest to your legs.

It is better not to use a lap blanket for the elderly while they are sleeping because it doesn’t provide full coverage when you compare it with some of the bigger blankets.

That doesn’t mean it compromises on the fabric quality. The ultra-soft velveteen fabric filled with non-toxic glass beads is so soft that you will feel like curling it into a ball every time you put it on.

Key features:

  • It offers deep pressure relaxation that helps you drift off to sleep quickly.
  • The small size makes it suitable or using on your nursing home bed and wheelchair. (Check out these heated blankets for wheelchair users too!)
  • The gridded stitching keeps the glass beads in place and ensures even weight distribution.

Shopping Checklist: What To Look For When Shopping for a Nursing Home Blanket

Here’s a checklist to guide you when buying a new blanket for someone in a nursing home:

  1. Material: The blanket’s material should be soft and comfortable. It should be hypoallergenic, especially if the person has sensitive skin or allergies. Common materials include cotton, fleece, and wool, each having its own advantages.
  2. Weight: The blanket shouldn’t be too heavy. Some seniors might have difficulty handling heavy blankets due to decreased strength or mobility.
  3. Temperature Regulation: Consider blankets that have good temperature-regulating properties. This is important as seniors often have difficulty maintaining their body temperature.
  4. Size: The size should be appropriate for the person’s bed and their personal preference. Some people prefer oversized blankets, while others might find them difficult to manage.
  5. Ease of Cleaning: The blanket should be easy to clean, preferably machine washable. This is important because spills and stains are quite common in a nursing home setting.
  6. Durability: The blanket should be durable and able to withstand regular washing. It should retain its shape, softness, and color after several washes.
  7. Safety: Avoid blankets with loose threads or decorations that can be a choking hazard. Also, consider non-slip blankets if the person tends to move a lot in sleep. Avoid blankets that can get wrapped up easily around the feet potentially causing a fall from bed.
  8. Color and Design: If possible, choose a color and design that the person will like. This can help make their space feel more personalized and comfortable.
  9. Price: Consider your budget. There are blankets available at various price points, so find one that fits within your budget but doesn’t compromise on quality and comfort.
  10. Return Policy: Check the return policy. If the person doesn’t like the blanket or if it doesn’t meet their needs, you should be able to return or exchange it.

Remember, the person’s comfort should be the priority. It can be helpful to involve them in the decision-making process if possible.

You can see my other guides to blankets for seniors here.

Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®
Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS)®
Assistive Technology Professional

Scott Grant has spent more than 20 years serving seniors and the elderly in the home medical equipment industry. He has worked as a manufacturer's rep for the top medical equipment companies and a custom wheelchair specialist at a durable medical equipment (DME) provider in WV. He is father to 4 beautiful daughters and has three terrific grandkids. When not promoting better living for older adults, he enjoys outdoor activities including hiking and kayaking and early morning runs.

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