Bibs for my Dad
 

Last month I made two long bibs for my Dad who is an Alzheimer's patient in a nursing home. He is able to feed himself but not without lots of it landing on him. The two I made from Harvest themed hand towels really brightened my Mom's time that she spends with him. I just finished making four of these for him for December and my Mom is looking forward to their arrival. I believe it brightens her day a little and adds a little something new for chit chat with the staff.

As you can see from my photos the ones I bought for December had designs on each half so I cut them in half and sewed on on the bottom end of the design. Then I cut off the top corners of one half to give it a little more shape, turned the edges over and added ties made from 1" fleece. Each towel costs less than three dollars and it takes about 20 minutes to put one together.

A cute side note: my Mom guards these bibs and even takes them home to launder them herself. Many items have been lost in the facility's laundry system. When I started this project I never dreamed it would brighten my Mom's daily routine so much. To me it is such an added blessing.

What a wonderful gift you have given not only your Dad but your Mum as well, good for her in taking them home to launder and take care of as unfortunately these things happen in Care homes etc. they are lovely well done.

I like how you made them longer by stacking one end on top of the other. I made similar ones for my mom when she was in the nursing home, too except I made a velcro tab on one end so she could hook it herself. I used hand towels with neat designs, too. Nice you can give your mom an uplift with these. I send you hugs. It is hard to deal with our parents getting older and someday, we too will be there. Think I will have a lap robe and several bibs stashed for myself. :-)

Those are too cool !! What a wonderful idea, I bet he will love them. You and your Mom are two fantastic ladies for caring for your Dad.

Your Dad and I have something in common.

I tend to wear my dinner too. ...LOL

When we go out I bring an extra shirt in the truck just in case. Because we usually eat lunch first then walk it off by doing our shopping errands.

You are doing a wonderful job on the bibs for your Dad. It's so great that they bring so much pleasure to your Mom as well. Not an easy thing she is doing and any little thing to brighten their days is a good thing! Best wishes to your family.

Thank you everyone for your kind comments.

Chasing Hawk, how clever to bring another shirt... I never thought of that but have thought of making a long neck scarf ~~for catching my failings~~ which can be removed afterwards. My sis is waiting in line for any I produce.

My Dad wouldn't know to put a bib on or off. He is very sensitive about anything being around his neck so that is why I made long, soft fleece strings. If it touches his skin he won't notice it.

My Mom is the one who deserves the praise. Their 66th anniversary will be December 29th. She visits him every other day (she's 84 and he is 86). She prods him along to 'try' to do things for himself and he responds to some of her coaching. Alzheimer's is a sad disease but Mom looks for the bright things and I know that helps her to keep going.

nicely done

Clever "clothing protectors" for your dad. I used to work in a group home and we couldn't use the term bibs. Thanks for posting your colorful bibs and the explanation for the fleece ties. Blessings to you and your family!

Thank you.

Interesting rules these facilities have. The one my Dad is in can't allow rails on the sides of the bed. He can't turn himself over in any way but he can move his legs a bit. He fell out of his bed one night and it was some time before anyone found him. To me, it is dangerous for anyone but especially for older people to fall 3' or 4' feet onto a floor.

They came out nice. I use to work in a nursing home as an Activity Assistant. The bibs you made will be a nice reminder to him and everyone else there that he is greatly loved.

Anything you can do to brighten your parents day during this difficult journey is a blessing. It sounds like your bibs are right on target! Thanks for sharing them. I will look at season dish towels with new eyes from now on.

The facility my mom was in told me the patients have gotten thir arms, legs and heads stuck under the bed rails or they try to climb over them. They also do not have foot rests on the wheelchairs because the patient will try to stand up on them and fall flat on their faces. Ask for a lower bed, my mom got a lower bed and they also put down pads on the floor like gym mats.

those are really cute and a great idea. i wonder if my hubby would wear one. he eats in his recliner.

Great idea and colorful and useful! Good job!

Wonderful bibs! Yours are nicer than any I've made. Hint: I found, by experience, that pockets at the bottom help keep things cleaner.

Very nice! Heck, i have one that a friend made for me. I keep it in my car and once i pull away from the drivethru that "bib" is on me. I don' t take any chance of spilling coffee or food on my clothing. I am in my car a lot and i love having it. I also keep another hand towel and wet wipes in the car too.

Glad to hear that these brighten our Moms' day. I totally understand what you are going thru. My mom was in a nursing home 13 months due to stroke and dementia. Heart breaking. You learn how strong you are and have to be going through it. It is an amazing experience in many ways. Hugs to you and your family.


Sandy

Thank you for sharig these bibs.

Very great idea and you are so creative and thoughtful.

Thank you. You are all so kind.

Sierra, why not, I am thinking of making one for myself... at home. LOL

Sandygirl, you are one smart cookie. Reality is... we spill! I don't mind so much at home but when I am out I hate for others to see how sloppy I can be. I try not to be but it never fails.

Your bibs for your Dad are darling. Great idea and it has to brighten the day for anyone who sees him. Blessings to you and your Mother.

Great idea on bib. ,I also know how hard it is taking care of the elderly. But they took care of us and now it's our turn to step to the plate. Inner strenght is why we are able to do this for our parents and LOVE. hugs sent to you

what a great idea and so cheerful. thanks for posting.

I love the bibs you made for you father!! When I worked in nursing home, we only had blue terry cloth "clothing protectors". I am amazed that your Dad can't have rails on his bed!!! Falling to the floor is so dangerous for elderly patients.

Love you eye-catching clothing protectors for your Dad and I'm glad it gives your Mom a little lift too. She is wise to take them home to wash, the facilities there are very hard on fabrics too and yes, some wander. DMIL lived with us for 7 years with Alz. I had chef's aprons that I used as "crumb catchers". The longer length was great and I could bleach when needed.

piney

I had wondered why they didn't allow bed rails since it seems like a good safety device. But, I hadn't thought about the other dangers. Thanks for explaining.

I love the term clothing protectors. I think I will make some for myself. Living alone, I frequently eat in my recliner while reading or watching tv and usually just put a kitchen towel over me. These would also be functional and pretty!

Great, cute, practical idea.

"Clothing Protector" does sound nicer than "Bib"

I also need them. Try as I might - I usually end up with a splotch on my front.

Nice clothing protectors. I would have loved some of them for my residents when I worked in a long term nursing facility. For the comments on side rails, they are considered a restraint and often require Dr's order and can be dangerous with a confused resident. Low beds and floor pads work well and if you have problem getting them talk to their Dr and get ordr for them.

What a wonderful and useful item. They would be perfect for lots of people in nursing homes and hospitals. I will be coping your pattern and thanking you for your sharing.