Have you heard of ‘Twiddlemuffs’?
‘Twiddlemuffs’ are a knitted hand muff with interesting bits and bobs attached inside and out.
They have been designed and developed to provide simple stimulation for active hands, while promoting increased flexibility and brain stimulation. Many patients with dementia have found the ‘Twiddlemuff’ reassuring and comforting.
A ‘Twiddlemuff’ is given, used and can be taken home by one patient only and provides patients with something to sooth restless hands and minimise agitation.
Sister Pauline Cox here at Stroud General Hospital says: ‘We’d be delighted if any willing knitters could help us to create ‘Twiddlemuffs’ as part of our dementia awareness work. Don’t worry if you are not an expert knitter; the pattern is very simple.’
If knitting a ‘Twiddlemuff’ and choosing colours, please bear in mind that female patients prefer pastel colours and shades and male patients would rather have strong, contrasting colours. If you aren’t a knitter but still want to support the cause, we would welcome donations of new wool, buttons, beads, ribbons, small zips, or anything that could be used to enhance the muffs safely.
If you would like the pattern for ‘Twiddlemuffs’ or to donate wool or any items to attach to ‘Twiddlemuffs’, please email the League of Friends Administrator, Susan Strongitharm at info@stroudleagueoffriends.org
The photo shows (left to right) Sister Carole White and Sister Pauline Cox in the Vintage Room at Stroud General Hospital with a selection of 7 ‘Twiddlemuffs’ kindly knitted and recently donated by Mrs Wendy Arnold.