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Doris Lantz is a volunteer at Adventist Health. She makes fidget mats for Alzheimer and dementia patients who are getting IV’s and oxygen tubes. Fidget mats are made of fabric and are about the size of a placemat and have several things to play with attached to the mat to keep the patient occupied and distracted from the IV’s and tubes. Examples of some fun things attached to the mat are zippers, beads, buttons, snaps, ties, empty spools, small toys, small stuffed animals, even small pet toys are good. Different textures, shapes and movements engage the senses. These items can be found at dollar stores, thrift stores, or around your home. All these items are sewn to the mats so they don’t come off. The fidget mats give the patients lots to do instead of pulling on the IV’s and tubes.

Doris got involved with this program by a lady she worked with at the hospital. The lady was making the mats by herself and was overwhelmed and couldn’t keep up with the demand. She asked Doris to help, who then told the Sierra Quilt Guild about the need for these fidget mats, so now many others are making and donating them. Doris is now in charge of supplying the mats to the hospital.

The hospital is very appreciative and constantly ask for more. The families of the patients are also very appreciative and they get to keep them and take them home. If you would like to make fidget mats to donate, you do not need to be a member of the Sierra Quilt Guild. You can drop them off at one of our meetings, or come as a guest on the 2nd Monday of the month at 6pm at the Creekside building at the Fairgrounds. You may also contact Doris Lantz at 408-761-5021 call or text.