Does anyone have any idea how to make an Alzheimer fidget blanket? I have received lap quilts and have been asked to put zippers, buttons, ribbons and anything that will keep fidget hands busy while the body is sitting in the wheelchair. I have tried to google it but only get a small picture of an apron. Thanks.

I've never heard of this, but it sounds like a great idea.

Just lost my grandmother last week to Alzheimer's :cry:
. The blanket is a good idea, may bring some comfort. Please post a pic when you get it completed.

http://figjamandlimecordial.com/2011...nsory-blanket/

Perhaps this will give you some ideas.

I'm thinking of different blocks on a lap quilt.... an envelope to open and find loosely strung wooden and plastic beads on a cord that is attached inside so it is not lost. a block with a zipper that reveals some i spy type fabric. a block with tabs that button on multicolored buttons. I think the apron is a good idea so that it does not slide off while the activities are being done... it can be made with various quilt blocks the same as a lap quilt. Please show us what you come up with.

Thank you so very much. That is just what I was looking for. It gave me a lot of good ideas of what to put on the quilt. Thanks again.

I'd approach it much like an I Spy quilt, made with blocks. Every block doesn't need something to do. The rest of the blocks could be colourful and with I Spy material for visual stimulation. This could include photos transferred to the fabric if you are making it specific to someone you have access to pictures.

Some fabrics ... corduroy, velvet, burlap, polar fleece (perhaps the backing?), velvacord, fur fabric, suede, leather, pleather, trims, chenille, flannelette, clear plastic (window!), plastic that gives a mirror effect), fine wool, coarse wool, denim, sparkly, shiny, etc. Be sure to check out decorator fabrics for some different textures. What would be like sandpaper??

Some fidgets ... zippers, velcro, snaps, rivets, cording, shoelaces to tie up, buttons, pockets with hidden items, roping, trims, coarse lace, ribbons, braids, hooks and loops, etc. Keep an open eye in your notions department as there will be lots more! Think of our different quilting techniques that provide fidgetable (new word!!) items.

Some pocket items (have them on a "leash" and permanently anchored inside, so they don't fall and disappear) ... flashlight, small toys/dolls, other textures such as a silk scarf, an embroidered/lace hankie, mylar foil for crinkly-crackly sound, a knitted mitten, something crocheted (a doily? a granny square?), etc. Cut off some pockets from jeans and sew them in as patches.

I know some of what I have said above are duplications, though I'm not going back to check which they are!

ITA with others, if this is for someone wheelchair bound, consider the apron, or perhaps a tie or velcro to attach to the wheelchair. Also, safety needs to be considered re any of the more loose or longer items.

My Mother had alzheimers, so I know the sorrows and how difficult this time is for family and loved ones. In a lot of ways, it is more difficult for the family than the one inflicted.

Bless you, 29Cathie, for taking on this opportunity!
I'll look forward to seeing what you create.

What a great idea.

I just looked on etsy to see if there was anything. Nothing for adults, but there were some baby activity blankets- they also included things like a variety of soft ribbons attached at the side (you know how babies often like the tag that's at the side of a blanket?), and that crinkly fabric, that kind of makes a crunching noise when you handle it. Just some more ideas!

Lots of great ideas here! Let's keep them coming! :)

Embroidered stitches to create texture-?? Contrast of colors in fabrics.

There is a webshot website for fidget quilts: http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/...59829158icRmXT
Sorry, I don't know how to post a clickable link, but if you cut and paste this into your browser, you should be able to go there. This has a lot of pictures of fidget quilts. Great ideas. One of my groups is going to start making these and I will try to post pics as soon as we get some made.