It must make you feel really good to be able to pass things on to people that need them even if she doesn't remember. I have a male friend that has that and I want to try and do one of these in manly things even though he's not really handy around the house but while he can still remember a lot of things this might be good for him. It's a very thoughtful idea.

thanks for the wonderful ideas

My Mom had alzheimer's and lived with us for 2 yrs before she passed. I wouldn't put in zippers or anything too rough to the touch.
Mom's skin was thin -which made it bruise & tear easily. When she swung out of the front seat of the car one day, her sweater rubbing on her skin which caused a large skin tear on her elbow. After that I had her in over size faux suede long sleeve shirts. No more skin tears & she loved how they felt

This is a quilt that could be made of many different fabrics with different textures such as corduroy,toweling fabric, velvet,fleece. Also you can add small loops of fabric from scraps of satin, lace, ribbon, prairie points , ruffles. Anything a patient could fidget with. Hope this helps. Peep

Thanks for that piece of advice. I also have thin skin and can understand what a problem that can be.

Laces and ribbons I have lots of to sew on the quilt. Thanks for the tip.

i keep thinking of Marie Montessori toys...where little fingers are kept busy with opening and closing zippers, buttons, tying shoes..etc.

Some residents focus on textures with a constant circular rubbing. A blanket with blocks of different textures (corderoy, minki, satin, velvet etc.) would be helpful along with the zippers buttons and button hole plackets for them to focus on otherwise they tend to undress themselves.
For my underground railroad program my friend and I made 12 blocks with the pattern pieces haveing textures as varied as what I've mentioned pluse fake fur. My intention was to 'show' the blind residents the blocks. The same idea would work for fidget blankets. ;) I hope I've helped you on your loveing venture. Thank you for your effort :thumbup:

Sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and yours. BrendaK

Hi, I have made many fabric books for alzheimer sufferers.The thing to remember is to make sure any buttons or other fastenings are really securely fastened.I backed all the pages so that the stitches were hidden.Velcro is great to use as it can be ripped open and closed easily,but again must be secure at one end.I also liked to use things like ribbons and lace.One thing that proved popular was suspenders, don't know if you call them that in America, the fasteners to hold up ladies stockings.Things like that help to jog the memory too,not just for the ladies ---for the men too ! Anything tactile, like velvet or soft leather is good also. I've been searching for photographs of the books I've made , no luck so far,We are in the middle of packing to move house after twenty three years,therefore things are in a bit of a muddle. Good luck with your project, you will be blessed by the help and comfort you will give with the blankets. Love Letty