QUILTS FOR ALZHEIMER PATIENTS
AT THE IONA SENIOR CENTER

In November 2007, the NeedleChasers ran a day-long quilting bee to make lap quilts for Alzheimers patients at the IONA Senior Center.  To appeal to the patients' senses of sight and touch, the quilts were made in bright colors, used highly tactile fabrics (such as corduroy, flannel, polar fleece, and velveteen), and included three-dimensional blocks.  Altogether, the NeedleChasers made sixteen quilts for donation to the Center.

After the quilts were presented to the IONA Adult Day Health Center, the NeedleChasers received this lovely thank-you note from the Art Therapy Coordinator, Catherine Harris.

We all loved having you come to IONA last week, both staff and participants! After you left, we spent another twenty minutes talking about quilting. Some of the participants were sharing stories of their own experience quilting or watching their own mothers and grandmothers. They were so impressed with the quilts too. With all the bright colors and designs, they were saying we should hang some up on the wall to display. Thanks again for coming to IONA, and for you generous donation. We truly appreciate it. Please keep us informed about your upcoming quilt show, I’m sure we’ll have many people interested in attending.
 
Thanks again and keep in touch, Catherine

Some photos of the quilts appear below.