Fidget Mats

Fidget Mats for Alzheimer's Patients
By HB and JC, Ages 18 & 19, Ramona Stars

The Ramona Stars 4-H Sewing Project made “Fidget Mats” for senior citizens with Alzheimer’s.  The project was a comfort service project inspired by the 2019 California 4-H State Fashion Revue.  The youth members in the project designed and made mats that had multiple tactile elements that Alzheimer’s patients could use to keep their hands busy while they are resting or watching TV.  The mat contained zippers, interesting fabric designs, buttons, pockets, braiding cords, and beads. 

The group delivered 9 mats to the Lakeside Manor, home for seniors, on July 20^th. The seniors were delighted with the activity mats and marveled at the fabrics and features.  Some of them noted how different fabric designs were today compared to when they were sewing in their youth.  The seniors thanked the 4-H youth members delivering the mats and asked them to pass on thanks to all the sewing project members.