Sometimes the smallest touches of care can make a significant difference in the lives of patients. This is the philosophy behind the creation of tactile quilts at Centra, an initiative that brings comfort and calm to those in need, especially patients with dementia, Alzheimer's and other conditions.
The idea of tactile quilts at Centra started with Sylvia Beamer, Director of Volunteer Services, who had seen their positive impact at a hospital in North Carolina. Hoping to introduce the concept at Centra, Sylvia connected with volunteer, Cindi Wruck to make the idea happen. Cindi and other volunteers soon began producing the quilts, which feature a variety of textures and items designed to soothe and engage patients.
Creating the tactile quilts has become a team effort. Some volunteers work on sewing the mats themselves, while others adhere various items to them. One volunteer named Karen is known for her skill in attaching items to the quilts while Jean specializes in creating pockets. Together, they transform ordinary materials into extraordinary sources of comfort.
The quilts include a wide range of items such as big buttons, Velcro, fidget poppers and soft fabrics.These elements are carefully chosen for their texture and safety, ensuring they are securely sewn on to prevent any risk to patients. Even Cindi’s husband has contributed by drilling holes in items to make them quilt ready!
The Lynchburg-based Patches ‘n Pieces Quilt Club, including former Centra nurse Ann Spiedel, have also played a crucial role in this effort by crafting and donating fidget mats for patients in addition to the many quilts they have donated through their “Community Quilts” initiative.
Initially, the quilts were intended for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, whose hands often become restless as the diseases progress, but the calming effects of the quilts also benefit patients with intellectual disabilities, those who are blind and others who are simply bedbound and restless.
Typically, nurses assess which patients would benefit most from these quilts, ensuring they reach those in greatest need. Once a patient receives a quilt, it becomes their personal item to keep, to ensure adherence to infection prevention protocols.
Sylvia and Cindi explained that they are always in need of more volunteers to sew the quilts, but even those who cannot sew can contribute by donating buttons, pill boxes, mint tins and other small items. In Cindi’s words, "One man’s trash is another man’s treasure."
If you are interested in participating in this heartwarming project or have materials to donate, please reach out to Sylvia Beamer (sylvia.beamer@centrahealth.com).