Baby Doll or Fidget Blanket

LucyStone · July 20

My Sweet mom is in a nursing home and is beginning to fidget with her hands. She likes to try to fold her clothing protector, and my one sister wants to get her a baby doll. My other sister suggests a lap blanket with things on it for her to play with. Does anyone have any thoughts on which is better? Thank you!

harshedbuzz · July 20

Either or both would be good. Other ideas might be a robotic cat or dog (Joy For All interactive pet) or bringing her some tea towels or even thrift store baby clothes to fold.

ButterflyWings · July 20

I have seen lots of positive feedback from forum mates in the past — especially regarding the lovable pets (lifelike dog or cat) as comfort companions.

I don’t know about dolls. My DH would likely believe it was a real baby and it might be distressing or just more trouble than it’s worth if he thought something was wrong with the poor child etc. DH is a perplexing combination of late stage (early 7) and more rational thought and reactions at times.

He definitely is not a candidate for the fidget blankets unfortunately as he tries to eat anything he can touch and would be a real choking hazard if he twisted or bit a piece off.

Since every PWD is different, one or more of the above might work well for your dear mom. If not too expensive why not try both or all 3. That way she could use one while the other is being cleaned and she might even show a preference (let her choose, then regift the other)

frankay · July 20

In my DH's MC, several ladies love their dolls, They dress them up, cuddle them, wrap them up and take them to meals. They even have a cradle with mobiles. They are happy because the babies are so good and never cry and are always happy. The robotic animals are available, but no one pays any attention to them. One lady got very distressed when the cat started meowing and she wasn't able to calm it down. Some of the men even ask about the baby dolls and pat them on the head. The robotic animals are expensive, so I would try the dolls first.

frankay · July 20

Also, some of the fidget blankets are complicated, and depending on how large they are and if your Mom is in a wheelchair, they slide off their lap and end up on the floor.

harshedbuzz · July 20

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/216463#Comment_216463

They make fidget aprons, too.

Amazon.com : fidget apron

fmb · July 20

DH recently started fidgeting all the time. Hospice gave him a fidget quilt, and he really likes it. It was donated to hospice by a church group and is homemade. About 24 in. square, one side is mostly different textures of fabric, a zipper with an elastic pull, velcro, a crinkly sounding piece encased in fabric, and various size fabric tabs he can play with; the other side is a soft fake fur that feels like petting a cat. He will fondle the quilt side for a while, then carefully folds the furry side up and pets it. He usually is in his Broda chair at a table, so it doesn't fall on the floor, but I would think a velcro loop could be added to tether it to the chair. The only problem we have is getting the ALF staff to remember to give it to him each day.

Baby Doll or Fidget Blanket

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