‘Connie’s Fidgets’ supports people with Alzheimer’s

CRAFTSPEOPLE at the Bungalow in Cherry Orchard have got back to work with a relish, and are involved in a project to support patients suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Skilled volunteers at the centre, which was closed for much of the last 18 months, are utilising their sewing, knitting and crochet skills once again, creating therapeutic fidget blankets, aprons, walker bags and muffs.

The items they create provide sensory simulation and a calming effect for dementia/Alzheimer patients.

The project ‘Connie’s Fidgets’ was formed by Connie Murphy and involves up to 24 people at the Cherry Orchard Family Resource Centre (BFRC), known locally as the Bungalow.

A sample of the items made by the skilled volunters

The group donated their first batch of 34 items to Cherry Orchard Hospital on July 6 and hope to do much more for local sufferers of the illness.

Marie Delaney, Coordinator, BFRC, said: “The project is spearheaded by Connie. Some of the staff did training with Alzheimer Association, and we are hoping to create dementia friendly areas in association with BFRC, Ballyfermot Civic Centre and Dublin City Council.”

Along with sensory stimulation, Marie said the blankets help to alleviate boredom for older people and provide a means of performing repetitive behaviours that are often comforting and distracting.

“We hope to distribute the items to nursing homes and care centres locally,” said Marie.

“Dementia is kind of a hidden disease. We have always been involved in various classes in the Bungalow but because of Covid, we were limited.

“About 24 people are involved in the project, including people who have traveled around to collect materials that can be re-purposed and of course our gifted sewers, knitters and people who crochet.”