MAKE FIDGET MAT or QUILTS/SEW BUSY BLANKETS - help hospice patients with dementia

Save to Favorites

People with dementia often find comfort in having something for their hands to do. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can have hands that are restless or fidgety. Have you ever noticed movements such as hand rubbing, twisting fingers, or picking at fabrics? Fidgety hands may be a way of expressing anxiety or frustration. It is important to find safe, hands-on activities to provide comfort and address tactile stimulation needs. A Fidget Mat is a small blanket or quilt that may be the perfect item to soothe and calm while safely stimulating those busy hands.

What is a Fidget Mat?

A fidget quilt can also be called activity blankets, fidget mats, or busy quilts. It is a blanket or quilt that is small enough to fit easily on a senior's lap- think over-sized placemat. Sewn onto the fidget quilt are accents with a variety of textures and movable parts, such as zippers, buttons, pockets, key chains, different fabrics, and more.

Appl Orchard Hospice serves patients in Kansas City Metro Area. Long-distance support is most certainly welcomed if blankets can be mailed to the hospice office.

For instructions on how to participate in this volunteer opportunity, please contact Chaplain Richard, Volunteer Coordinator.