ST. JOHN’S – Many people in the Parish of Bay Roberts/Coley’s Point in Newfoundland know somebody who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and the parish’s Busy Hands Crafters group was wondering what it could do to help. It decided to make fidget mats.
A fidget mat, also known as a fidget quilt or busy blanket, is a lap-sized blanket or mat designed to provide sensory and tactile stimulation for individuals with restless hands, particularly those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The mat features a variety of textures, colours and objects to engage the user and promote relaxation and focus.
At a youth group night, the young people cut out letters that could be sewn onto the mats. Some ladies assembled base mats and constructed fidget attachments at home. Many people donated fabrics and items, enabling the assemblers to make more mats than they originally thought possible.
“We hope they will be enjoyed by those who receive them,” said the group’s spokesperson. “We are so grateful for the time, resources and talent that were so freely given to make this project possible.”
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