We know many of you are looking for ways to help during the coronavirus outbreak. Our board secretary, Emily Chua, has been in touch with Capital Caring,
a local hospice network. Initially Capital Caring requested 2,000 masks
in anticipation of a supply shortage. They have decided to drop the
mask request for now, but have specifically asked for sensory quilts
to keep patients in end-of-life and dementia care busy. Below is an
excerpt of the email from Karen Knoble, who handles volunteer engagement
for Capital Caring on why are in need of sensory quilts:
"If you are willing to help in other ways, these are the current needs. Several of our social workers and nurses are asking for items to help with anxiety, pain, isolation. Research shows tactile stimulation can help to “center” or refocus those in pain, those who are experiencing anxiety and those who are in pain.
Sensory Quilts, blankets and Aprons- I can’t express how comforting these items are to patients who are in pain or anxious, we anticipate the few months we will see an increase in the need for these and to be honest, I have given all out except for one, I only have one left. These can be made a variety of ways and will a variety of items, creativity is endless here."
As you know, most end-of-life and dementia care facilities are on lockdown and home visits are becoming more restricted, with patients more isolated than ever. These Sensory Quilts (also known as fidget blankets or busy blankets) are wonderful for keeping their hands occupied.
This is an example Karen sent, and we'll link to more. The blankets don't have to be very big -- big enough to partially cover a lap, but of course you can go bigger if you want.
Here are some more examples:
"If you are willing to help in other ways, these are the current needs. Several of our social workers and nurses are asking for items to help with anxiety, pain, isolation. Research shows tactile stimulation can help to “center” or refocus those in pain, those who are experiencing anxiety and those who are in pain.
Sensory Quilts, blankets and Aprons- I can’t express how comforting these items are to patients who are in pain or anxious, we anticipate the few months we will see an increase in the need for these and to be honest, I have given all out except for one, I only have one left. These can be made a variety of ways and will a variety of items, creativity is endless here."
As you know, most end-of-life and dementia care facilities are on lockdown and home visits are becoming more restricted, with patients more isolated than ever. These Sensory Quilts (also known as fidget blankets or busy blankets) are wonderful for keeping their hands occupied.
This is an example Karen sent, and we'll link to more. The blankets don't have to be very big -- big enough to partially cover a lap, but of course you can go bigger if you want.
Here are some more examples:
- Central VA MQG's Fidget Quilt Tutorial
- Quilts from Caring Hands' Tactile Quilt pattern
- Rob Appell's Fidget Quilt tutorial and video (he uses all brown, which we don't recommend -- it sounds like most patients prefer bright colors)
- Patchwork Posse's Fidget Quilt tutorial
- Blair Stocker's quilt "Sensory" from her book Wisecraft Handmade (not available online, but many of you may have this book)
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