02/06/2016
How to support patients with dementia by knitting a basic hand muff.
Do you knit? Have you heard of Twiddlemuffs?
A twiddlemuff is a knitted muff with items attached that a patient with dementia can twiddle in their hands. People with dementia often have restless hands and like to have something to keep their hands occupied. It provides a wonderful source of visual, tactile and sensory stimulation and at the same time keeps hands snug and warm. They help stimulation whilst patients are on the wards and we’ve found they are therapeutic and valuable in preventing stress and distress.
We’d be delighted if any willing knitters out there could help us to create more Twiddlemuffs. We are hoping that volunteers (staff, patients and visitors) will come forward to put their knitting skills to good use to help us to create more Twiddlemuffs as part of our dementia awareness work. The soft knitted muffs contain strands of textured ribbons, beads and various fabrics attached both inside and outside.
Please see the attached publication for a knitting pattern to create a twiddlemuff.
If you cannot knit, but would like to contribute to this project, donations of wool, oddments or full balls, plus decorations – large buttons or beads, ribbons, squishy things will also be gratefully received.
If you would like more information about Twiddlemuffs, to hand completed ones in, or would like to know how to obtain one, please contact Helen Skinner (Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Nurse Consultant) on helen.skinner@nhs.netor 01592 643355 x28429