If you've got a loved one with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other neurodegenerative diseases, Sandy Wagner has just the thing: a fidget mat. The Forest City, Iowa, resident started making the mats three years ago when friends from her church asked for them to be given to their loved ones, the AP reports.
Wagner hand-sews one side of the mats and machine-sews the other because she believes that method of stitching holds the fabric together better.
She insists that none of the fidget items come detached from the mat, as that could be hazardous for users.
Wagner uses textured fabrics and materials and an assortment of items such as keys, buttons, beads, zippers, snaps, Velcro, and belts.
"It can kind of go with them to their bedroom, to an activity room, to just (sitting) on their chair while they're waiting for a meal," Wagner tells the Mason City Globe Gazette. "You just kind of have to let your mind go wild."
Wagner tries to individualize each mat for men and women, which determines the fabric colors and textures and the fidget materials she uses.
Many of the materials Wagner uses to make the mats have been donated by church friends, as well as a consignment shop in Forest City.
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