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HomeCommunityHealth & WellnessSchneider Regional Receives Donation of Fidget Quilts

Schneider Regional Receives Donation of Fidget Quilts

SRMC CEO Dr. Bernard Wheatley receives fidget quilts from Cheryl Esquilin. Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC) is in receipt of special gifts for their patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
St. Thomas community member Cheryl Esquilin donated to SRMC five fidget quilts that she designed and made. A fidget quilt is a small lap blanket that provides sensory and tactile stimulation for the restless hands of a person diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. These lap blankets are made with pieces of fabric in any random pattern with tactile elements sewn, glued or otherwise attached to the blanket. These tactile elements may include; zippers, buttons, pockets, lace trim, ties, ribbons, Velcro or secured beads.
Alzheimer’s or dementia affects many people, across all generations and demographics. Esquilin discovered the benefits of the fidget quilt through her experience of caring for those suffering from Alzheimer’s. She enjoys sewing and has used this talent to provide relief to those enduring these debilitating conditions. The quilts help ease the restlessness and agitation experienced by many suffering with these conditions.
“We are extremely grateful for this very thoughtful donation,” said SRMC CEO Dr. Bernard Wheatley. “It is well known that these blankets help to soothe nerves and keep busy the restless, anxious hands of victims of Alzheimer’s disease. There are patients in our care who will definitely benefit from these beautiful gifts.”
Please contact Esquilin if you work with an agency or are an individual caregiver of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia and are interested in fidget quilts. She is also interested in working with other people who enjoy arts and crafts or who like to sew who may want to be part of giving back to the community through the fidget quilt initiative.
Cheryl Esquilin can be reached by e-mail at federalbunny@gmail.com
 

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