Spin Fidget Widget

Fidget Widget
The Fidget Widget has been designed in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Society and the University of Central Lancashire, to improve the well-being of people in the later stages of dementia, by supporting their psychological needs to feel occupied, engaged and included in a meaningful activity of their choice.

The Fidget Widget engages touch, feel, and repetitive movements to calm and engage with busy hands and unsettled minds. As there is no right or wrong way to use the Fidget Widget, users can use their creativity to explore and interact with the tool.

Spin Fidget Widget
Spin is one of 5 specially designed widgets, each with a particular motion. A smooth wooden design that fits comfortably in the hands, invite someone with dementia to delight in the soothing pleasure of spinning the two parts of the widget, in the hand.

From Alzheimer’s Society:
Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, says: “The Fidget Widget toolkit addresses an unmet need for people with fidgeting behaviours, a group which can be overlooked or labelled ‘difficult to manage’.

“Dementia is a devastating condition, and while our funded researchers are hard at work to find a cure, it’s great to see the brilliant ideas that we have helped make a reality, being employed to help people with dementia right now.”

Jane Souyave, Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), “In collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society and Relish, the Fidget Widget Toolkit is the result of 8 years of research and development and provides an opportunity for those with advanced dementia to be engaged in meaningful activities that enhance personal wellbeing.

The results of our product testing, in people’s own homes, day centres and Lancashire County Council care homes, confirm that the toolkit supports psychological needs. Users feel occupied, engaged and included in a meaningful activity of their choice. Caregivers also reported there was an ongoing and lasting well-being effect.”