Home Instead Wollongong launched a local project ahead of Dementia Awareness Week (week of 21st September 2021). The Fiddle Blanket Project (#thefiddleblanketproject) raises awareness and supports those who have Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in the local Wollongong community and involves locals banding together to make and donate Fiddle Blankets to people living with dementia.

Fiddle Blankets or Fidget Blankets are sensory blankets that include various sensory objects such as zips, studs and textured material to help keep dementia sufferers’ hands busy and provide both soothing and stress-relieving benefits.

Using social media, Home Instead Wollongong promotes the benefits of fiddle blankets to those living with dementia and encourages members of the community to make blankets for loved ones, friends, or for Home Instead to donate to someone in need. Dedicated Home Instead CAREGiver Sonja has now made more than 40 blankets to assist in The Fiddle Blanket Project, with Home Instead finding additional CAREGivers and volunteers to join the cause.

Home Instead Wollongong support a number of clients with dementia to continue living safely and independently in their own homes. With the help of the community and the demand for donations, they have made and donated over 100 fiddle blankets to people living with dementia.

Any materials purchased by Home Instead CAREGivers to create the blankets are reimbursed by Home Instead Wollongong.

For more information on the Fiddle Blanket Project, contact Home Instead via their Facebook page or call Sharryn from the Home Instead Wollongong office on (02) 4295 6829.