A fidget blanket is a lap-size quilt that provides sensory and tactile stimulation for the restless hands of someone with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, such as ADD, or an autism spectrum disability. They are perfect for little kids, olders or anyone who gets a settled feeling by keeping their hands busy.
Recently a group of Student Volunteers from the University of Maryland Pharmacy School hosted a Fidget Blanket Workshop at Pickersgill Retirement Community. 14 residents participated by designing, sewing, embroidering and assembling fidget blankets. The colorful creations featured zippers, ties, ribbon, strings, buttons, elastic, snaps, pom poms, braids and a variety of textures; smooth, ribbed, silky, fluffy and velvety. With a goal of making 6 blankets to donate to Pickersgill residents who would like to have one, the project was not only extremely fun but also allowed participating residents to work with their hands, use the sewing machine, and interact with the dynamic pharmacy students. Everyone involved agreed the project was such a success a second workshop is planned for next year.
Many thanks to the students, Dr. Brandt and the University of Maryland for planning and organizing the workshop.
Fidgeting part 2
Who says you can have too much of a good thing? Once again, Pickersgill residents and enthusiastic pharmacy students came together in the Willard Auditorium to get creative. Out came the sewing machine, scissors, needle and thread so the multi generational team could get busy creating a new batch of Fidget Blankets. Piles of fabric, rick-rack, jingle bells and fake fur helped inspire the crafters, the result was wildly colorful and inspired works of art which will also bring comfort to friends and companions right here at Pickersgill.
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