HARTFORD, Wis. — Wayne and Gail Hartlich sew colorful and interactive mats that have a calming impact on people dealing with memory loss and extreme anxiety.
“We’ve seen the effects,” Wayne said. “We’ve heard about the horrific stories at the support groups and it’s got to be the worst thing in the world. It just has to be.”
Gail was inspired to produce fidget mats after someone asked her to make one while she was teaching sewing at the Boys and Girls Club. She and Wayne then started cutting recycled fabric and patches then sewed them to mats to calm someone’s cognitive nerves. They even compete with one another in a fun way.
"It makes me feel good that I can out do him once and awhile on a mat,” Gail said.
Watch: Hartford couple creates fidget mats for those living with Alzheimer's:
The couple creates the mats for free out of their home sewing studio in Hartford. They sew mats for individuals, school districts and for long-term care facilities—all for free.
Victoria Scheehan, an activity coordinator at Wellington Place in Hartford, has seen the fidget mats work in real life. She said if residents are having panic attacks, the mats give them something to focus on and help them safely calm down without staff needing to isolate them.
“It’s a breather for them, their family and the caretakers,” Scheehan said. “It’s nice that they have a sense of calm. You’re trying to find a way to give them comfort.
The Hartlichs have more supply than demand and they want to make more mats for more people.
“To be caring, compassionate, understanding and willing to accept someone who is not perfect and help them out makes you feel like a human being,” Wayne said. “It makes me feel like my dad taught me I was supposed to act when I was growing up. It just makes us feel good.”
The Hartlichs want to make more mats for more people.
Email them at whartlich@yahoo.com to place an individual order.
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