Retiredandquilting

My mother likes "heating bags". She makes a square about 6 x 8 (or any size you want). Fills it with rice, and hand stitches the filling opening shut. She then throws it in the microwave for a couple of minutes and uses it as a heating pad. She takes it to bed everynight. They are the nuts with her friends.

ctack2

In addition to all these wonderful ideas, I would like to add eyeglass cases, stuffed animals or dolls, little wallets or coin purses, and cloth books.
Carol B

MS quilter

I love all the ideas and want to put as many as possible into use! Thanks every one.

JLMiller

do you have a link for these... this is a great idea...

liese

There's also a cute pattern for them on the Quilts for Kids website under patterns!

judyrael

I found the same thing happened in the Nursing Home my Mom was in. My sister and I would bring gifts and treats to her that just disappeared the next day. My sister and I took turns going every single day for 4 years and I'd say that half of the things we took to her were never found, even with her name on them. No matter which Nurse we asked, none of them could find things. A sweater, socks, robes, small quilts, rosary's, even pictures. It was a good Nursing Home, very well staffed but you have to wonder how things like this happen. They tell you to put labels on things and use permanent marking pen, which we did both. We even addressed the problem to the Administrator, who told us that he knew it was a problem in most Nursing Homes, that is why they tell you not to bring valuable things and although it was a constant problem, they were more concerned on good quality medical care. So sad and upsetting.

dottiequilts

My Mom is in a nursing home and I have made walker bags for every season. She loves being able to change them and all of the lady residents envy her (she loves that part). If you didn't want to make lots of bags, you could make one and put changeable pockets or panels to fit on one side of the bag with seasonable fabrics or messages.

judykay

The lap quilts and shawls made from fleece are very warm, fast and easy.

Momo

My sister and I took t-shirts to the residents at our home town. I embroidered the shirts a Bible verse, and also made little handkerchiefs from a soft muslin. I embroidered a cross on some and the praying hands on others. For the ladies, I added a soft lace around the edges. For the guys, well, theirs just had the emblem. It was a bit of work to do these, but when we saw their smiles and their eyes light up, it was worth everything. We didn't try to size the T-shirts, just meds and large. Three of my grand children went with us, and btw, these grandkids and their 4 other siblings are regular visitors to the nursing home in town. They give their time singing and loving on the residents.

Another time we took the tissue covers.

Pepita

I agree with all the suggestions. My Mom was in a nursing home with Alzheimers. I found that the folks seem to loose track of the seasons. Making a small decoration for their door, or walker etc. would help them stay in the here and now. They also like to remember. A small photo book or a picture and frame, perhaps with a place to put the name of the person(sadly it is often needed). My Mother liked to look nice and costume jewelry I think would be welcomed. Many of my Mother's clothes were taken for others in the nursing home who needed something to make them feel good. Nursing homes go through puzzles, and even Wii's. Anything that could help keep them interested and active.