The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor When someone's mind betrays them, research has shown that their external senses take on a much greater importance. That is why people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia benefit from the frequent use of their sense of touch. It is also why Flin Flon's North Star Quilt Guild has become part of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba's Touch Quilt Project. Members have stitched together several dozen 'touch quilts' to be donated to local health care facilities that work with dementia patients. 'Wonderful' "It's always wonderful to give back to the community," says Sheri Fox, a guild member and registered nurse. "And because I work in the health care system, it also gives me an opportunity to know the people personally who we're donating the quilts to, so that's special." Most of the 30 squares on each lap quilt are made of a different material, giving patients a variety of textures to feel. Fox hopes the squares will bring back memories for patients, whether it is a denim square reminding them of their teenage days or a tea towel square reminding them of their life as a homemaker. She learned of the Touch Quilt Project last winter after taking a course at the hospital. When she suggested the guild become involved, members didn't have to think twice. "Of course the ladies jumped on board right away," Fox said. She said the program is run nationwide. Having already stitched together about 50 touch quilts, the guild may remain involved with the project an ongoing basis as the need arises. The guild has a history of reaching out to the community. Past projects include making bags for the Women's Resource Centre and placemats for Meals on Wheels.
