Longtime volunteers with Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Quilters recently took on a new challenge and sewed fidget blankets for hospital patients. Fidget blankets are blankets that provide sensory and tactile stimulation for patients with restless hands-often due to Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.  The blankets feature tasks that are easily accessible on the lap blankets such as zippers, ties, clips, or even Velcro.  These blankets help comfort, provide distractions, and can be used for patients who may get aggravated easily.

Specialty blankets were done by the Auxiliary Quilters who have been making quilts since 1970.  Kim Bourne, President and CEO of TMH says that since this is Volunteer Appreciation Week, the hospital is recognizing their creativity, talent, and heart. The TMH Auxiliary Quilters began in the 1970s to raise money fo the hospital and have raised thousands of dollars over the years.  If you are interested in becoming a Memorial Health volunteer, visit memorial.health for more information.