As part of Thornhill Manor’s 2024 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Drive, resident and retired occupational therapist Vicky Keenan created fidget cushions and blankets to support Thembalami Care Centre’s residents.
In addition, a bag of materials was donated, enabling residents to make their own fidget items.
“Fidget cushions and blankets are simple yet powerful tools that can significantly improve the quality of life for those with dementia,” explains Thornhill Manor’s social worker Karen Griessel.
Crafted from various textures and materials, including zippers, buttons, ribbons, silk and bells, these items offer sensory stimulation that helps soothe and engage.
“People with dementia often show anxiety or restlessness with their hands, such as pulling at clothing or wringing their hands,” Karen notes.
“Fidget blankets help calm these behaviours, offering a gentle, engaging way to focus their hands and minds, making it a useful tool for one-on-one occupational therapy.”
Thornhill Manor extended a heartfelt thanks to Carol Foulis and the ‘knit and knatter’ group for their donations of soft toys, as well as resident Sylvia Sinclair, who hand-crafted teddy bears for the centre.
Many of Thembalami’s residents received a soft toy to keep, an addition Karen believes has notable benefits.
“Soft toys bring comfort and support the well-being of dementia patients,” she says.
Soft toys donated to Thembalami Care Centre residents by Thornhill Manor’s ‘knit and knatter’ group.
Hand-made teddies donated by Thornhill Manor resident Sylvia Sinclair.
A fidget cushion crafted by Vicky Keenan, a Thornhill Manor resident and retired occupational therapist.
Vicky Keenan, Karen Griessel and Tsakani Shihlomule with items designed to enhance the quality of life for Thembalami residents.
