6 Best Mitts for Alzheimer’s Patients
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Alzheimer’s-affected folks often engage in activities such as skin picking, scratching, and slapping themselves . Despite being damaging, they continue to self-harm as they find pleasure in doing so. Some also find these activities to be stimulating.
It is concerning when your loved one is so deeply indulged in skin-picking that it begins to bleed. There is a high risk of skin infection if the same area is picked more than once. This is where dementia hand mitts come into the picture.
They act as a barrier between the skin and fingernails. Some mitts might allow the patient to move their fingers within the glove, but the barrier prevents them from injuring themselves.
Dementia hand mitts are equipped with straps. Once put on, they find it difficult to pull them off by themselves. In this post, I review the best mitts for Alzheimer’s patients.
Here Are The Best Hand Mitts For Alzheimer’s Patients
1. Fanwer Dementia Restraint Glove
sponge filling
This product is made from a special type of warp-knitted spacer material known as 3D mesh fabric. A film of spacer monofilament is sandwiched between two multifilament outer layers. The whole structure appears like a network of mesh.
The breathable mesh cloth facilitates better air circulation. You can have the patient wear these gloves for a longer duration without worrying about perspiration or skin infection.
These mitts are designed for aggressive dementia patients who have a history of taking the mitts off by themselves. Patients can remove a regular glove with their teeth or fingernails. Such is not the case with Fanwer dementia restraint gloves.
The unidirectional disassembly strap makes it difficult for dementia patients to lift the gloves by themselves. If needed, you can tie the strap to a bedside table or a chair.
The superior sewing technology makes this product resilient to wear. The rounded shape of these gloves reduces the chances of self-harm. Although, in some cases, the patient can use the mesh surface to relieve an itch.
Furthermore, Fanwer gloves are fully reusable. It is recommended to wash them with soap and water once every week. You simply need to soak in soap water, rinse and let them dry. Do not toss them in a washer.
Lastly, this glove is 10.6-inch long. The top circular portion is 6.69-inches wide and the bottom opening is 5.11-inches wide. The inside portion is filled with a thick sponge. The soft sponge keeps the hand in place.
Fanwer Dementia Restraint Glove is Suitable For:
This product is suited for dementia patients exhibiting aggressive behavior. The thick sponge filling on the inside of the glove prevents the patient from harming themselves. They will not be able to slap, pick, or scratch.
Pros
- Made from breathable mesh material
- One way dismantling belt
- Easy cleaning, fully reusable
- Good customer service
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Not padded on both sides
- The straps are too long, you have to wrap them around the patient’s wrist
2. Posey 2819 Double-Security Mitts
double-padded
Not every person would be comfortable wearing gloves made with plastic or mesh. Although plastic and mesh gloves are effective in preventing a patient from picking their skin, they are not the most comfortable.
These mitts from Posey are made from fiber-filled twill fabric. They are 65 percent polyester and 35 percent pure cotton. Twill fabric is known for its strength and thickness.
The tear-resistant properties of a twill fabric make it the best material for dementia hand mitts. These gloves are double padded. The inner (palm) side has extra thick padding and the top portion has comparatively thinner padding.
And you can wash them with soap and water. The glove is cream-colored, hence expect them to get dirty quickly. The manufacturer recommends using bleach to get the stains out.
Posey 2819 Double-Security Mitts is Suitable For:
Posey 2819 is a perfect fit for someone who prefers soft and cushy gloves. Unlike other products in this category, Posey 2819 is not made from mesh or plastic. They are made from premium medical-grade cloth.
These gloves are extremely effective against patients who use the upper part of their hands to scratch themselves. Posey 2819 is double padded. They offer twice the security as gloves from other brands.
Pros
- Bed straps are included
- The mitts are made entirely with cloth
- The cream color is patient-friendly
- Padded on both sides
Cons
- Less padding on the outer side
- The straps are longer than necessary
3. Dangjuacua 2Pcs Elderly Restraint Gloves
transparent mesh
The Dangjuacua 2Pcs Elderly Restraint Gloves are great for helping take care of seniors. They’re made to be comfy and useful, with special features for specific needs. The back of the hand is made of mesh fabric, which means it’s breathable and won’t get sweaty or clingy.
It’s also anti-static, so it won’t build up any annoying static electricity. Plus, the palm has extra padding made of pearl cotton to make it even more comfortable, especially if you need to wear them for a long time.
One cool thing about these gloves is how carefully they’re made. They’ve got five threads that keep them open and separate the fingers. This stops them from sticking together and lets you move your hands easily. This is really helpful for people who might hurt themselves or others because they’re confused or upset. The gloves give a gentle restraint without making it hard to move around.
These gloves are perfect for looking after people who can’t move much or might fall down. They’re a reliable choice for caregivers who want to keep their loved ones safe and happy. With their smart design, these gloves are a practical option for dealing with the challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other similar conditions.
Dangjuacua 2Pcs Elderly Restraint Gloves are Suitable For:
These gloves are suitable for caregivers looking after elderly individuals who require gentle restraint to ensure their safety and comfort, especially those with severe cognitive impairment or behavioral disorders.
Pros
- Made for lenghty use, whole night
- Super high quality
- Protective padding in the front side
Cons
- May take time to adjust
4. lefeke Medical Restraint Gloves
grey
The Lefeke Medical Restraint Gloves are really handy for you when you’re taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s. They’re small and easy to use, and you can store them easily too. They don’t have any loose parts or strings, which makes things safer for the person you’re caring for.
These gloves have a cute design, which makes them feel friendly and nice to use. They’re grey instead of the usual hospital blue, which helps create a more homey atmosphere.
When you get a set, you’ll have two gloves, which is super helpful when you have lots of things to do. Plus, they come in different colors, including some more feminine ones. This means the person wearing them can feel more like themselves and keep their dignity.
Overall, the Lefeke Medical Restraint Gloves are both practical and look good, making caregiving a bit easier for you and more comfortable for the person you’re caring for.
lefeke Medical Restraint Gloves are Suitable For:
The Lefeke Medical Restraint Gloves are suitable for caregivers assisting individuals with Alzheimer’s.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Safe design
- Cute appearance
- Convenient storage
Cons
- Durability concerns
- May require training
5. Genmine Finger Control Mitts
without finger separators
Finger Control Mitts from Genmine are for folks looking for something more versatile and universal. These mitts can be used for more than one purpose.
The primary purpose of this product is to immobilize the fingers.
Genmine has created a lightweight and soft product. The package includes a pair of white and blue mitts. As you can see in the image above, the meshy top portion is white and the padded bottom side is blue.
They come without finger separators and, hence, are easy to put on. The top portion has rounded edges. The wrist buckle is wide enough for hands of all sizes and shapes. The velcro strap is flexible and adjustable.
Furthermore, these mitts are hand and machine-washable. As I mentioned earlier, the breathable mesh (being white) can attract all sorts of dirt and grime.
It is recommended to clean the mitts every other day. They can be air-dried under the fan or dried in sunlight by leaving them on a window sill for an hour or two.
Genmine Finger Control Mitts are Suitable For:
Finger Control Mitts by Genmine are designed for patients who create hurdles in their medical treatment by pulling catheters from their bodies.
The gloves keep the entire hand enclosed within it. As a result, the patient does not engage in potentially harmful activities.
The absence of finger separators makes life easy for both the caregiver and the patient. They are easy to put on. And the patient can move his/her fingers freely within the glove.
Pros
- Easy to put on
- Machine washable
- Package includes two mitts
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Quality of material could be improved
6. EPW Balance Dr. Safety Control Mitts Dementia Gloves
extra wide wrist
Gamsami, a reputed home medical supplies company brings you the best mitts for Alzheimer’s patients.
The package includes one blue/pink (two color choices) mitt for dementia patients. The manufacturer’s motto is to offer total comfort to the patients and assurance to their caregivers.
Caregivers don’t have to spend hours persuading the patient to put on these gloves. They are user-friendly, even a family member (with no medical background) can effortlessly figure out how to put them on.
Additionally, they come without finger separators. This makes it easy to put them on and it also doesn’t itch after wearing them — for longer durations.
As you can see from the product image, the front edges are rounded. And, the padded palms help nullify the attempts made by patients to scratch themselves while asleep.
If you are worried about Alzheimer’s patients hurting themselves by picking their scabs, these mitts are perfect as they are padded with super-soft material. The padding prevents the patient from picking their scabs through the glove.
There are no pointy edges for a patient to scratch themselves with. And, the breathable mesh structure aids air circulation throughout the day and night.
Moreover, this product from Gamsami comes with a wide wrist velcro strip made from a polyester fabric called 600-denier. The material is not only resilient but also smooth as silk.
EPW Balance Dr. Safety Control Mitts Dementia Gloves are Suitable For:
Gamsami mitts are made in South Korea. You should go for them if you are detail-oriented. The wide wrists make it easy to put on.
Gamsami offers you two color choices: blue and pink. Caregivers can pick a color based on the gender and personal preference of the patient.
Pros
- Soft bottom with an anti-grip plate
- Coated with premium leather
- Rounded edges
- Aesthetically pleasing, suitable for outdoor use
Cons
- The patient can still fold their hands
- Not US-made, imported from South Korea
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Skin picking is quite prevalent in dementia patients. They may engage in slapping and scratching as well. They may slap themselves, others around them, or a dead object such as a tabletop. Both slapping and scratching can lead to physical damage. Dementia restraint gloves can help prevent this situation.
Gentle restraint of hands with the help of mitts or gloves can calm down an Alzheimer’s patient. Mitts are soft and cushy. These gauntlets act as a fence between the patient’s fingernails and the rest of their body. Instead of releasing the pent-up energy by harming themselves, patients can now learn how not to obey their urges.
It is common for patients to get annoyed with a medical tube (used for fluid management or drainage) inserted into their body and try to pull it out. Ripping out the suprapubic catheter can cause irreparable damage. Mitts are known to restrict the movement of fingers. You can fasten the velcro strap before bedtime. Besides, you can use duct tape (around the wrist) if the patient rips the velcro band with their teeth.
Yes, the mitts discussed in this article are designed for people who show aggression in form of scratching, slapping, or hitting (themselves and others around them). Most of them come with adjustable straps. You can secure the glove onto their hands. A few minutes of hand restraint can turn a person from aggressive to calm. I suggest giving them a go.
Some Dementia restraint gloves come with laces that need to be tied to secure the mitts onto the hand. Laces can be picked easily with the help of teeth. Hence, I suggest you tie a minimum of two knots. Once you tie the knots, push the laces inside the glove, from the wrist opening.
Not all mitts discussed in this article have padding on both sides. Most mitts have some sort of cushion on the inner side. For instance, Posey 2819 Double-Security Mitts come with double padding. The entire hand is insulated from the external elements. The double padding protects the skin on the palm as well.
In addition to picking their skin, a Dementia-affected person can indulge in activities that might seem strange or a bit embarrassing. Family caregivers might feel a bit weird dealing with a person who puts his/her finger in their bottom. Dementia restraint gloves can help prevent this situation. By the way, this condition is known as Stinky-finger Syndrome.
You can use them in the shower only if necessary. You should be prepared to dry them under a ceiling fan or out in the open before use. Do not put on wet gloves. The moisture can lead to skin conditions. Also, check if the gloves you are using are waterproof.
Summary
It is always safe to consult a dermatologist when the condition gets severe— this must be done in addition to regular visits to your loved one’s Geriatrician (dementia doctor).
Hand mitts are a form of non-medical intervention to treat skin picking. They do not have any side effects.
In addition, caregivers can try other non-medical treatments such as applying turmeric or aloe vera gel in the affected area. A topical ointment can reduce inflammation caused by persistent picking and scratching.
I hope the guide was helpful and informative. Leave a comment below and let us know if you have any questions or queries on this subject.
Can u tell me if there is anything I can use for my husband who has dementia to stop him from putting fingers in bottom.
Hi Maureen,
I am sorry you have to go through this. But you need to find out why he’s indulging in this activity.
A research article says people do it to get rid of constipation.
Here’s the PubMed research article https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5688896/
I have my mother with Alzhaimer and dementia’s she can not stop of scratching his legs, feet and now begging with his arms. I’m suffering because she doesn’t understand that she is hurting herself and I dedicated a lot of time cleanings his wounds, cure with medications. When I bring all my effort to healing her skin she again begins to scratching his legs until bleeding. For me is a very sad situation because I like to take her to shopping and to go out to dinner but her condition is worsening.