Fidget Mats
 

I have been asked to construct a fidget mat for alzheimer patients. Has anyone done one? Do you have a picture. I will be doing this for the local nursing home. Thanks for any help!

Here is a link to photos of fidget quilts on google. https://www.google.com/search?q=fidg...HSyGCkEQsAQIWg

And, here is a link to photos and tutorials on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/search/pin...yped&term_meta[]=fidget%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=quiltts%7Ctyped

From what I can understand, they are not super huge. Lap size. And make sure everything is sewed down really really well. And, texture is important. And, have fun. Your doing a wonderful thing!

also, if you use the search function above, there are lots of previous posts with info & photos

Yes we have discussed this before and it is really up to the care facility or personal preference the size etc. The home that requested mine wanted elastic straps on them to hold them firmly onto a certain sized table. I don't have pictures except for just the one. [ATTACH=CONFIG]558629[/ATTACH]

Thank you! I have some great ideas now.

We are in the process of making some at work for our residents. We are making ours 25" X 30" and backing them with flannel so they don't slide off laps when in their wheel chairs. As soon as we finish up the first two ( hopefully this weekend) I will show pics.

We just had a speaker at our guild last night talking about these. A couple of points I found interesting - don't use black (they see that as a 'hole' and will avoid it). And don't use yellow - that is one of the last colours they recognize and is generally used as 'caution' in the homes. Make it like you are making for a child - nothing that can come off, nothing that looks like candy (buttons, etc). And nothing hard/sharp as they may swing/throw them when agitated.

So many great ideas out there, and it is such a wonderful service for them.

This is the way I make fidget mats. Cut a rectangle 13 x 18 " and a piece of batting 12 x 17. FMG or straight line quilt. Cut back piece 13 x 18. Put pieces right side together, sew using 1/4 seam, leaving 5 inch opening for turning. Cut corners and turn piece right side out, poke out corners, fold 5 inch opening in and top stitch around mat. I usually top stitch another line 1/4 " from first line. Sew a zipper using a ribbon for zipper pull. Cut shapes of different textured fabric and sew onto mat, turning under edges and sewing some folded ribbons. I bought a package of squeakers to put in a fabric shape or else just stuff it with some filling. Prairie points are another decoration. As you start to decorate your mat, gather all sorts of lace, ribbons and different textured fabric scraps. Minky, toweling, silky stuff, velour. I would not use dark colors. These are so fun to do and well appreciated.

Here is a link with how I made mine:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t278829.html

Good luck and thank you for helping those that can't help themselves.

I made one for my mother, 97, with dementia. She did not like it and saw no reason she would ever "play" with it. She never even touched it. We left it in her room within easy access for her and it was never moved. I finally brought it back home and thought maybe I would use it in 30 years. 😏