Calling All Crafters: Activity Mats Needed for Hospice Patients

Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton is looking for crafters to make and donate activity mats for patients. Activity mats are comfort items for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as they can provide comfort or relief from feelings of anxiety, stress and restlessness.

“Activity mats are a frequently requested comfort item,” said Maureen Swarts, manager of Volunteer Services at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. “They are used mostly by our patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to help keep their hands busy. They can help to minimize anxiety and often provides great comfort for patients and their families.”

Activity mats are rectangular cloth mats that can be placed in the laps of patients. They are typically the size of a placemat, and consist of different materials, textures, images and patterns. Add-on items are sewn onto the activity mats to engage and soothe patients who are in constant movement. Frequently used items sewn onto activity mats are zippers, ties, stuffed animals, Velcro and pockets. Crafters often include textured fabric on activity mats, such as corduroy, lace or fringe, for patients to run their hands across.

The add-on items on activity mats are meant to be pulled apart, tied, zipped, touched and stroked. The repetitive motions of doing these activities can be comforting or soothing to patients who need to keep their hands moving and ease restlessness. Activity mats can be customized to specific patients’ hobbies and interests, like fishing, gardening or farming.

Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton is accepting activity mats from smoke-free and pet-free environments. Contact the Volunteer Services department at 937.256.9507, ext. 1163. for any questions or more information on how to make and donate activity mats.

Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, an affiliate of Ohio’s Hospice, is a not-for-profit hospice provider. Since 1978, it has served patients and families in the Dayton region in their homes, extended care and assisted living facilities, and the Hospice House location in Dayton. Grief support services are available to the entire community through the Pathways of Hope Grief Counseling Center. Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton serves more than 1,000 patients and families daily, achieving national recognition for innovative services and outstanding care.