"We have a close relationship with Risedale Nursing Home and know what a big difference fidget blankets make to sufferers of dementia, so we were really keen to provide blankets for all residents."
Sacha Hamlin, Funeral Director at Co-op Funeralcar
Co-op Funeralcare in Barrow is requesting special donations from the local community to continue a project intended to help local dementia sufferers.
The funeral home, based on Roose Road, is leading the creation of 50 ‘fidget blankets’ for elderly people at Risedale Nursing Homes.
Sensory Mats or Fidget Blankets provide a soothing and stimulating activity for people living with dementia or recovering from strokes.
The blankets are made from wool and have strings, buttons, zippers, buckles, bells and fabric in different textures as well as soft toys, squishy and squeaky items, key rings, beads, and more sewn on.
Staff working at the home have been funding the creation of the blankets out of their own time and pockets, and are now keen to secure donations of more much needed wool to ensure they meet the target of 50 blankets.
Sacha Hamlin, Funeral Director at Co-op Funeralcare in Barrow said: ‘’We have a close relationship with Risedale Nursing Home and know what a big difference fidget blankets make to sufferers of dementia, so we were really keen to provide blankets for all residents who would benefit from them.
‘’The three knitters Mandi McQuillan, Lorraine Bush and I here at Barrow Funeralcare have been working hard to get the blankets made, buying materials themselves and giving up their spare time to create them.
‘‘They have made amazing progress, but now need more wool to keep going!
‘‘If anyone has some spare double knit or chunky wool at home, please bring them into the funeral home so we can keep those knitting needles clicking!’’
The home is aiming to donate the 50 Fidget Blankets to Risedale Nursing Homes in October.
With over 1,000 funeral homes across the UK, the Co-op Funeralcare teams are respected members of their local communities. They are trusted in what they do and families in their care are treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
For more information on your local Co-op Funeralcare home, visit www.co-operativefuneralcare.co.uk. To talk to the team in Barrow, please call 01229 820 517.
