Montreal student-volunteers sew fidget blankets for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients
Posted September 13, 2020 5:02 pm.
Last Updated September 13, 2020 6:45 pm.
MONTREAL (CITYNEWS) – A group of post-secondary students are finding creative and artistic ways to help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working from home, the students have sewn more than 50 fidget blankets for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients in senior residences across Quebec. The students also write heartwarming letters to COVID-19 patients in isolation.
“Doing it from home means doing it in a comfortable environment,” said volunteer Noor Randhawa. “There’s less risk of COVID compared to going to a hospital or food bank to volunteer, so it’s a safe way to help people out.
“I wanted to put my time into this because I’m a really hands-on person and I’m really creative. I thought this is a really nice opportunity to help in any way that I can.”
One of the ways Alzheimer’s and dementia patients show anxiety is through their hands. Fidget blankets – large squares of cloth with buttons or beads tightly attached – are designed to help keep them from wringing their hands or rubbing them together.
One of the ways Alzheimer’s and dementia patients show anxiety is through their hands. Fidget blankets – large squares of cloth with buttons or beads tightly attached – are designed to help keep them from wringing their hands or rubbing them together. (Credit: Healing of Art Foundation)
“We started it a few months ago when the pandemic hit,” said Fahima Khan, co-founder of the Healing of Art Foundation. “We wanted to find a way that we could use our passion for art and combine it with our passion for health care. That’s something that a lot of our volunteers are passionate about, so why not use it for helping people.
“Something that they can use to de-stress with. They’re often in secluded environments and it can be a burden on their mental health.”
Before the pandemic, Khan volunteered at the Montreal General and Royal Victoria Hospital. When COVID-19 hit, they decided to take their work home. So far, the Healing of Art Foundation has about 20 volunteers who also write letters of encouragement to COVID-19 patients.
“There’s a really big difference meeting someone in person versus doing something from home,” said Khan. “But the fact that we’re still able to do something says a lot about us trying to make a difference.”
