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Fidget Quilt for dementia, will it help your loved one

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A Fidget Quilt for Dementia

Anne Marie Rowe, seated, who started The Fidget Quilt for dementia Project, examines some of the work by talented quilters Annette Burns, left, and Rhonda Lowery. http://www.times-herald.com/

As children are often calmed by their favorite toy or blanket, a person with Alzheimer’s dementia or other Memory Loss may also be soothed by a Dementia Fidget Quilt.

Often, during later stages of dementia, their hands fidget as though agitated or searching for something to hold. The person with dementia may pull on their clothing or bedding, rubbing their hands up and down.

I remember Mom rubbing her hands constantly, twisting and wringing them, balling them up in her lap, then with open palms she’d rub them up and down the front of her slacks. I wish I had known about the Fidget Quilt back then.

Mom often carried an old purse. The inside was stuffed with a few of her favorite things; buttons, yarn, beads, a coin purse with quarters, nickels and pennies. Whatever small object she found and liked to touch, went right into her purse. She could sit for an hour and roll those coins around between her fingers.

Toting a purse around the house isn’t an activity that we would normally think of for an elderly person with memory loss, but it’s something that actually soothes some of the people with dementia. Whether it be an old purse or a Fidget Quilt for dementia, it keeps their hands busy.

The Fidget Blanket has pockets and zippers and buttons, and can keep their hands busy for hours. They can be large to lay across their lap or as small as needed.

It sort of reminds me of my children’s favorite Blankie. When my daughter was young, she refused to gives her up. The only thing I could think to do was to continually make it smaller. So I began to cut a 2″ strip from the outer edge on a weekly basis.

Eventually, that old raggedy blanket was not much larger than a napkin but my daughter still carried it around pushed up to her cheek for several months.

Have you found an activity that helps your loved one with fidgeting hands? Or have an experience with the Fidget Blanket. We’d love to hear about it and share with others hoping to find a way to soothe their loved one.

I found this Twiddle Kitty on Amazon,  a sweet substitute if you aren’t a seamstress: Beads, zippers, buttons, ties and pockets! My Mom crocheted and could stay busy for hours crocheting round circles for hot pads. She longer remembered how to make the intricate things she’d done in her youth, but she did make gorgeous hot pads.

The Twiddle Kitty

Twiddle-Kitty

 

Besides the Twiddle Kitty, Amazon also has the Adult Activity Apron. This might be a great help to keep fingers busy,

Activity-Apron-for-alzheimers

The Activity Apron for Alzheimer’s / dementia Busy Fingers

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Comments

  1. Hello. I just stumbled on a post about a fidget blanket. I love this. I enjoy crafting, sewing, etc. I’ve made quilts before just not a fidget quilt. I plan to give it a try. If it comes out nice enough to offer my help to others I plan to do so. I cannot afford to make them for free but I promise to be very reasonably priced. I’m so happy I found this discussion group as well. I will post soon to let you know how it came out. ? I too have have family members that have Alzheimer’s and dementia. It’s so sad. My prayers to all of you sweet people and your loved ones.

    Reply

    • Best of luck, Sharon.
      There are many folks who love the fidget blankets.
      Thank you for making us aware of yours,
      Sandy

  2. My nan Irene Turner knits fidget blankets not just for people with Alzheimer’s but also children with autism. My grandad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and could become very restless. Fidget blankets are a great help for restless hands. Ad my nan is inundated with requests with them. She doesn’t charge for her blankets but is always grateful of any donations. If anybody is in need of a blanket, or can help by making some please let us know.

    Reply

    • Charlotte,
      Thank you so much for such an offer. I know the price of yarn, etc. I hope all who contact you offer fair contributions for your lovely Nan.

      Thank you for such generosity,
      Sandy

  3. My dad has not been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimers, but he certainly has the signs. He constantly fidgets. I’m always asking what I can help him find (because I forget he is where he is in life). by his answers, I realize he has no idea what he is looking for or why. My question is how do I know when a fidget blanket would benefit him? He seems to be pretty aware most days and then others in a whole other world. I don’t want to give him these blankets that look like they are for babies, and he feel demeaned by them. he is 80.

    Reply

    • Carla, I certainly understand how you feel. It could be insulting for an elderly man to receive a quilt covered in girlie items.
      I have a friend who crafts her quilts according to the person’s own favorite things. Nan’s Sewing Corners I’m sure she would love to have you visit her site.

      I understand that it isn’t a constant thing. My Mom was the same way. She could keep herself busy for hours but sometimes she would be restless and just fidget with her purse or crayons or even roll and unroll crochet thread. I think it is partially boredom and a need to stay busy.

      I’m in early stage myself but still feel those anxious moments when I don’t know what I should do next. And if there is too much sitting around, it really drives me crazy. Seems like I have to stay busy. Maybe memories of the past, I’m not quite sure.

      But yes, there are many things created for busy- ness. Recently, they have come out with sweet little stuffed cats/dogs that appear to breathe. They’ve become a big favorite for those with Alzheimer’s also.

      Hope these suggestions work for you; and thank you for sharing your own ideas -That’s how we learn!
      Sandy

  4. Do you recommend layering the fidjit quilt with batting in the middle?

    Reply

    • Evelyn Rau,
      I haven’t made them so I’m not sure, but there is a great conversation at another link on the site between a few ladys who are making them. You might learn more from them. –> Alzheimer’s Fidget Quilts

      Thank you for checking,
      Sandy

  5. My Mother was a seamstress and made all her own clothes and most my mine and my sisters for years , even ball gowns. She had Alzheimers and spent the last 10 years of her life fidgeting, she would lift the edge of her dress (sometimes embarrassingly high) and” stitch” along the edge. I wish I had known about the fidget quilt, as I started quilting about the same time she was institutionalized. I am concerned that the disease that took her mind and body and also that of her 4 siblings will affect me. I have made quilts for friends and family but my bed is covered with a beautiful bed spread knitted by my mother over 75 years ago, As I finally have the fabric for a quilt for my bed maybe I should be making the backing fidgety. Thanks for this very interesting article..

    Reply

    • Thank you for sharing. Your story sounds so similar to mine. My mother was a seamstress too; making my clothes when I was a child and quilts for everyone. What sweet memories those are.

      So glad you stopped by,
      Sandy

  6. Love LOVE LOVE these ideas! I am a caregiver and work with seniors through http://www.aspenseniorcare.com.
    We are ALWAYS looking for ways to make our senior’s lives better. Thanks so much for this informative article. We will be posting it on our site with your permission.

    Thanks again!

    Nancy

    Reply

    • Hello Nancy,
      I know, I’ve received so many thanks for mentioning the Fidget Quilts. I know my Mom would sit and fidget all day long. She would carry a purse around, then sit and take everything out. Then put it back in, 100’s of times a day. I wish I had known about the Fidget Quilts for her. But unfortunately she passed in 2008.

      I’m so glad you found our site and read about the Fidget Quilt. Sure, you can certainly refer to my site any time you like.

      Thank you for visiting us and writing,
      Sandy

    • Nancy does the facility you work at accept Fidget quilt donations? If so, I am interested in the contact information.
      Thank you,
      Vicki

  7. Hi, I have been making fidget quilts for over a year now . I also run a work shop once a week, and we put together some beautiful and interesting quilts.

    I donate my quilts to MIND where they ask for a minimum donation, which all goes to MIND. I also make for local hospitals, friends through word of mouth, and nursing homes. Also some have gone to an Austitic centre.

    We use, old sewing scraps , re use and recycle old clothes, .ie shirts, jeans, jumpers, gloves t shirt motifs…. The list is endless. I am lucky to have been donated some fabulous fabric. I am very grateful to the ladies who volunteer to spend time with me , making these quilts and helping spreading the word on a subject I am passionate about.

    I have also raised awareness through some of the Facebook sewing groups I am a member of. The word is spreading, and I now see more awareness of the quilts and their usefulness. But I do wish more folk would sew just one……. Just one can make a difference to those anxious and agitated fingers.

    Reply

    • Hello Bev,
      What a wonderful thing you ladies are doing! Just outstanding! There are so many requests for the fidget quilts, blankets, aprons, and other toys. They mean so much and bring such pleasure to all our friends who have dementia.

      I’m glad you stopped by to let us know and I hope many others follow your lead. It’s a wonderful gift for others. You all will be certainly blessed.

      Thank you for sharing,
      ~Sandy

    • Do you have pictures of your fidget quilts? Instructions? I want to make one for may dad who is the later stages of Alzheimers. I just bought fleece and mine but I would to know how you make them and sizes. Thanks,so much
      Carrie

    • Hello Carrie,
      I’m delighted that you liked my article about Fidget quilts. Unfortunately, I don’t have the instructions. One of the articles I wrote displayed several Fidget quilts along with a Fidget Apron. I believe that article is here -> http://bit.ly/1GcoOrw
      I also include a link to her Etsy store so that you may view more of her Fidget Quilts. She’s an excellent seamstress and may give you some advice on making them if you contact her through the venue where she sews/sells her Fidget Quilts.

      Thank you for visiting us and offering feedback on our article,
      Sandy

    • Hi-
      Could anyone please donate a blanket to a lady at the nursing home here? She really needs one that can be washed because she’s also blind. Please help if you can. Thank you kindly!
      Schena Lindley (256-283-4770)

  8. After my sister had major stroke I found out about fidget quilts and I made her one! It turned out beautiful and I really enjoyed the creativity. I started making and selling fidget quilts locally. I have some made (with pictures) and I can also personalize for specific hobbies, likes, colors etc. I’d be honored to make one for your loved one. Debra (Restless Remedy)

    Reply

    • Debra, that is wonderful. I hadn’t thought of it, but that is true. There are many things that can happen that need rehab for the hands or stimulation for those with fidgeting fingers.

      What a great idea for a sister and I hope she appreciates you. If you open an online store or have your wonderful fidget quilts available for sale, let me know. I’ll certainly list your site. A few places that allow listings from individuals are: Etsy, Ebay, Ecrater, and I’m sure there are many others.

      Plus, if anyone would like to contact me about your email, I’ll certainly send their email along to you.
      Thank you for making us aware of your wonderful sewing projects.

      ~Sandy

    • Hi Sandy,

      I have an on-line ETSY shop selling fidget quilts now! “Restless Remedy” on ETSY or restlessremedy@gmail.com. I started selling in February 2015, and have been amazed at how many people are looking for a fidget quilt for their loved one. It has been an incredibly rewarding and heart-warming experience. Often a neurologist recommends them for both stroke recovery, as well as folks with Alzheimer’s for anxiety. My favorite quilts to make are the Custom Quilts because the buyers share such great stories about their loved ones.

      I am also interested in writing a short article for you on fidget quilts!

      All best,

      Debra

    • Sounds good Debra. You are right, many folks are looking for Fidget Quilts and the more than can get them custom made, the better it is. Each Caregiver knows what her family member needs.

      Thank you for offering this service.
      Sandy

  9. I just ordered a fidget blanket from Etsy in red my Mom loves red . They have them geared towards men as well . This will help keep her hands busy and happy . When she is happy and calmer I am as well .

    Reply

    • Carol, Thank you so much for letting me know about the fidget blankets on Etsy. I know they are a great help for the person with dementia.

      All the best for your Mom
      ~Sandy

    • You are so welcome , anything to help others make it a little easier for their loved ones as well as themselves .

  10. Sounds like a wonderful idea/comfort for my husband. Look forward to learning more about this project.
    My husband is I believe, is considered at the beginning of late stage ALZ.
    He has recently moved into assisted living, and I feel that there are others who would also benefit there.
    It’s also a bit more adult like than a stuffed animal to hold, which may matter to some.

    Reply

    • I agree Grace! Everyone I know, dementia or not, has a favorite snuggle blanket. It’s draped across their knees, worn around their shoulders or limp in their lap. What better way to incorporate something different into an item they already have. A Fidget Quilt.

      Thank you for stopping by and sharing and our Best goes to you and your hubby!
      ~Sandy

  11. I do not have a website. I am the daughter of an AD patient. I am sitting by her side in the hospital now as she recovers from hip surgery to bring her relief from a broken hip. Oh how wonderful it would be if she had something to occupy her constantly busy hands. I have done everything I know to comfort her. Healing from the surgery is difficult enough for a lucid person, but so painfully difficult for one with Alzheimer’s. If there is a way I can make a donation and receive a blanket for her, I would be so grateful. I will be happy to purchase one. Thank you for your giving and loving spirit. No one knows the pain of this disease, unless they have experienced it via loved one. Bless you!

    Reply

    • Teresa, All our thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom. My mom was also hospitalized while she had Alzheimers and that can be very stressful for the patient as well as the caregiver. We’re wishing her a speedy recovery.

      I have been searching for a quilting group or others who may be selling/providing the fidget quilts for those with Alzheimer’s/dementia. You might try your local Alzheimer’s office. Many times they are most aware of support groups and some of the things they offer.

      I’m hoping as word spreads of this “Fidget Quilt,” there will soon be more available. Perhaps, Debra will contact us again if her quilters club was able to make them as she had hoped.

      Take care of your mom and yourself,

      ~Sandy

  12. Hi,
    My mother-in-law suffered with Alzheimers and passed away from the disease 3 years ago. I was not aware of the figit quilts and blankets until yesterday when one of my fellow quilters showed me an article in a quilt magazine. I belong to several quilt guilds and we make quilts for Hospice and Kidney Dialysis patients. I am always looking for ways to give back because I am a retired nurse and want to make a difference. I was so excited to hear about the need for the figit quilts. There is a group of us that want to make these quilts and are willing to donate them if possible. Can you please email me information on how to get the quilts to those who are in need? I would appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you in advance.
    Sincerely,
    Debbie VanKleef

    Reply

    • Debbie! what a kind and loving spirit you and your friends share. That is wonderful that your quilt guild donates to Hospice and Kidney Dialysis patients. I can imagine the pleasure that would bring to so many.

      I know, I think that would be a truly positive thing to do; for the patience as well as your group and yourself. These fidget quilts would be a godsend for many of those with dementia. They are so much happier when they keep their hands busy and the fidget quilts fill this need so well. The last thing my Mom was able to do was to crochet. She could remember how to chain in a circle and made 100’s of round potholders.

      It took a couple years to give them all away. But she had been so proud that she could still make them. I gave Mom’s potholders to lots of the smaller Group Homes in our area since my Mom had been in the Group Home for the last two years of her life.

      If I were you, I think I’d contact a hospital or nursing home in your area. Folks with dementia have an exceptionally difficult time when in the hospital. The strange place confuses them even more and it can be very traumatic. If the hospital would hold the Fidget Quilts for the patients, that would be a godsend.

      There are also many Groups of family members that meet for support groups, too, and I think they would know where more Fidget Quilts might be needed.

      I hope that helps a little, Debbie. I appreciate your writing so much. What a wonderful idea!
      I pray that a hospital will accept your most valuable offer of these Fidget Quilts, what a blessing that would be.

      ~Sandy

    • This is in response to Debbie Van Kleef:

      Dear Debbie,
      My mother is currently in an Alzheimer’s unit. There are 36 patients on her hall. I do not know whether any of the others would benefit, but I do know I have been looking for someone to make one for my mother. I feel absolutely sure there are others. I do not mind paying for the fidget quilt. Just let me know through this website: Thank you, in advance, for any help you might give me with this. Dedicated and Distraught Daughter, TBensch

    • Hello Teresa,
      You know, I have made many requests through the website. I’ve been searching for someone to make these as well. I hesitate to add your email address publicly as that’s a quick way to receive spam/scam email.

      But I do want you to know that I’m also adding this request to my Facebook Page today. I have many friends and followers there who do much crafting and I hope they will be able to help.

      If you’d like to make a suggestion there as well, feel free to do so. I hope we can make more progress from Facebook.

      ~Sandy Facebook: http://free-alzheimers-support.com

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