Alzheimers residents receive AWI fidget cushions
They are used to keep minds and fingers of patients occupied.
AMANZIMTOTI Women’s Institute (WI) donated fidget cushions to residents afflicted with Alzheimers at Mooihawens Home for the Aged in Winklespruit on Friday, 30 October.
The purpose of the cushions, which are sewn with buttons, zips, pockets and other knick knacks are used to keep the minds and fingers of Alzheimers patients occupied.
“A woman in Ixopo initially started the project with an apron, but it was found to be unsuitable. The apron was replaced with a cushion. The filling is an onion bag, which makes a noise when the cushion is squashed or pressed. It is decorated with belts, buttons, velcro, zips and other items,” said the WI’s Heather Stevens.
At the Federation of the Women’s Institutes congress in Fernhill, Howick some 500 cushions were displayed, which were made by women from around KZN.
These cushions are bound for old age homes and communities. They are also suitable for children suffering from cancer and hyperactive children, to keep them busy.
Mooihawens social worker, Elize Potgieter used the WI’s cushion idea and got a group of women called the ‘Busy Bees’ who make handcrafts, to sew fidget sheets for 12 residents.
The sheets go over a lunch tray and are also sewn with buttons and other items to keep the residents’ hands busy.
Families of people suffering with dementia who live in the community and who want a fidget cushion are urged to call Elize. “Let us know about the person’s interests, so we will have an idea of items to sew on the cushion,” said Elize.
If anyone has haberdashery items to donate, call Mooihawens on 031-916-2412
SATURDAY, 14 NOVEMBER: Fundraiser to support Mooihawens dementia and Alzheimer’s disease care centre with relationship expert and author, Gretha Wiid as guest speaker at Sweetwaters Church in Sanders Road from 9am. Tickets cost R200 per person and are available at www.itickets.co.za. For more information, email Marina at marina.vanaswegen@skytec.co.za.
