Size for Nursing Home Lap Quilts
 

I have made a couple of smaller quilts, but as I look at them I think they are not big enough. What is the size you shoot for when making a quilt to be used for a nursing home?

I think any size is good because it's made with love. I am sure they would be most appreciated because a little warmth goes a long way!

Tartan is right. There are people in nursing homes that can't walk and require a wheel chair, so a smaller size is appropriate for that. Perhaps 36 x 46 at most. For lap quilts, I don't like anything less than 50 x 60 myself, but that is just my personal opinion. I tend to make my lap quilts on the larger size. Usually around 60 x 70. That's a nice "throw over" size for your bed or the couch.

Ditto re assorted sizes are of merit, with considerations as to the use, the size of the person and their overall health conditions.

Before making, I would recommend you to speak directly with the nursing home.
Many have "rules" as to the size, fabrics, battings, etc.
It would be too bad to make them with good intentions, to have them rejected for not meeting their needs.

Likewise if giving to other charitable groups.

Before I retired I work for years in nursing homes. I was the social worker and many times I was the one distributing such quilts. Crib size and larger. Others are right some only need them as a cover when up in a wheel chair or just sitting with a lap quilt in their room. Others need something like a twin size for their beds. Others need a full size so that it doesn't end up on the floor when they turn over at night. No matter the size they are always appreciated. I would always run out. Another thing, many families choose to keep little quilts that are made for their loved one as a momento. Pleasant warm thoughts of a parent or other loved person that lived out their final days in the nursing home.

One suggestion for use in wheelchairs: cut off the bottom corners to avoid catching in the wheels.

this is a good suggestion!

Another possibility ... a quilt/shawl to wear over the shoulders with ties/buttons/velcro to keep in place.
With or without holes to poke arms through.

I had asked about donating quilts to our local nursing home and was told that everything gets washed in hot water so this is something to think about if the quilts could withstand the hot water. Might be different where you live.