Fidget blankets or aprons are way to keep the hands busy of those with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. They feature different textures to feel and simple activities to do, such as zipping and unzipping a zipper. Some people prefer to use blankets, which feel “natural” to keep on their lap for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Others like to use aprons because they can be worn, and tend to stay in place better than blankets, especially if the person with memory loss likes to get up and move around a lot.
You can purchase them online at stores that cater to Alzheimer’s patients or if you’re crafty, you can make your own using your imagination or as your guide. If you are of the crafty persuasion, some ideas to include are:
1. Different textured fabrics, such as velvet, faux fir, chenille, even burlap or sponges!
2. Zippers
3. Lengths of ribbon for tying, braiding, or just petting
4. Buttons (and button holes to put them in, if you’re an advanced sewer.
5. Beads on a length of string secure on both end. Warning! Make sure they are very secure and the string is very strong! You don’t want it to break and the person to put a bead in their mouth and choke on it!
6. Something velcro that can be stuck on and off (make sure the unsecured piece is attached by a string so it doesn’t go missing!)
7. Fringed edges to play with
8. Something to lace up.
9. A flap that can be snapped and unsnapped.
10. A pocket to keep hidden treasures, such as a stress ball.
Here are some examples:
This blanket was homemade. See the original post here.
This apron (and others like it) are available for sale here on etsy.com. I love that this one has a distinctly masculine feel.
This option can fit on the arms of a wheelchair or just be place on the person’s lap. You can buy it here.
Alzheimer's Activities and More! 
lyndaconverse said
Reblogged this on Lynda Converse.