My 89-year old mom has been in a nursing home the past two years. Dementia and Parkinson's have forced her to quit quilting--something that she has done all her life. At least one afternoon each weekend I visit mom and do some hand quilting. I've found it calms her when she is not having a good day. She seems to love that her daughter continues the tradition.

We sit in a public area in the home and other residents have started to join us. The nurses bring some of the Alzheimer's patients to join us. It all is very informal. Some people are able to talk about sewing, quilting, family,etc. while others just seem to enjoy watching my hands, touching the fabric or hearing about my plans for finishing a project. This has been my little way to add a little cheer to their lives. Actually, they are giving me the most precious gift--some wonderful memories with my mom and a chance to get to know some very special people.

My current project is finishing nine vintage dresden blocks that were given to my mom decades ago.

Patquilts, what a wonderful story. I love the blocks you are finishing.
Welcome to the board!! Sorry your Mom isn't well but it sounds like you bring her a lot of joy, and all the others :)

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!!

What a wonderful thing for you to spend time with your mother and the others in her "home"

What special memories you are making!!! And you are so right that there are some wonderful people in retirement homes. I stayed with my mom for 6 weeks after my dad passed. I got to know so many of the residents....they became like extended family. I am so happy for you to be able to have this time with your mom, and all your new found "family".

Hugs to you and your mom.

Patti

What a wonderful thing you are doing!! God bless you!!

That is awesome! I bet you really make their day when you visit!

welcome from Oklahoma. What blessings abound.

Wonderful story. You have found a special way to keep connected with your mom.

What a beautiful story. I'm sure that you bring a lot of joy to the residents there. I especially liked the comment that some just like to touch the fabric. Isn't that what we all do sometimes, just touch the fabric?
Sue

YEAH YEAH YEAH as a nurse from many years in nursing homes I salute you!!!! I know that you are appreciated whether or not they tell you. May God just pour blessings on you.

What a beautiful gift you are giving to those people. God bless you for being so thoughtful.

How nice you are making this quilt. It will be beautiful. Welcome to the board.

Dementia first steals new memories and the ability to make them, but most people hang on to older memories even many years into the disease. Quilting is something that would tap into those old memories and help people feel connected. I love it!

Welcome - and what a beautiful story! Hope you will post more pictures as you get more work done on them. This one is beautiful!

What a wonderful sharing experience. Thank you for sharing with us too.

Thank you for sharing that wonderful story. These are very special moments.

How wonderful for you to not only give your time to spend with your mom and the other residents but for you to appreciate the gift their time is giving you. Thank you for sharing, god bless you and your mom.

What a blessing you are to your mother. I wish I could visit my 96 (almost 97) year old Ma, who is in a nursing home, and quilt for her. She lives in upstate New York and I live in South Carolina, 900 miles away, so I have to leave the visiting to my other sisters. Made tears come to my eyes just knowing your heart is being filled with those precious memories. God bless you.

Welcome from Iowa!

What a truly wonderful story!
It's not what we do for ourselves that matters in the end...
but what we do for others.

Actually what you are doing is providing a therapy session for your Mom and all these ladies! WONDERFUL! As one who was a geriatric nurse, I truly appreciate and laud this!!!!! God Bless You!

How lucky are you to be able to share you talents with all these adults. And I am sure the time spent with Mom will never be forgotten.

It is wonderful that you have found a way to be a blessing and to be blessed. God Bless You in your efforts.

How pleasant it must be for all those to be around you. It's good work that you do.

PatQuilts! What you are doing is so special. I do not think you will ever know how special your actions are to these people. Keep up the warm and thoughtful work you are doing and bless you.

What a wonderful gift of love. What a blessing that you thought of it.

Bless you.

Hello and welcome to the board and Bless you for the gift you are giving your mother and the other residents.

Welcome! Thanks for sharing!

God Bless You

Thanks for sharing both the story and your love with others at her home. Welcome from CA!

Wonderful memories!

Hi Patquilts, What a wonderful story! I have a 93 yr. old mother and I go quilt with her. She doesn't quilt anymore but she is desperately trying to knit again. She lives in an assisted living facility and loves it...a very busy place for sure! Enjoy every minute you can with her and God bless both of you. Sharon

What a wonderful story. Those hours with those folks will become cherished memories. Your mom must so love the time you spend with her and her co-residents. Very sweet story.

Thats great you can share with your Mom! My Mom passed away a few years back with that. Its s sad thing to see their mind just go away..............

Welcome from WI. What a wonderful thing you are doing for your mom and other residents. It is nice to hear that your stitching calms them and also helps them to remember some memories.

This is a great story of love and kindness shown and how it spreads.
Thank you for sharing!

Very nice story and you will have some treasured memories as well as a treasured quilt.

Bless you for your good work!

So nice to hear.

I know you will remember these times... treasure everyone of them... mine is too far gone to even know what a quilt is...