Knitters wanted to help with dementia project

Plymouth Hospital NHS Trust's Health Care of the Elderly Wards are looking for volunteers to help them make more ‘Twiddle Muffs’ to keep up with the high demand.

Twiddle Muff Comforters are designed to provide a simple stimulation activity for active hands and can often reassure and comfort patients, particularly those living with dementia.

Having something to hold and manipulate, something to ‘twiddle’ with, has a calming effect and can promote increased flexibility and brain stimulation.

Sarah Corner, Ward Manager for Hembury Ward said: “After putting the idea onto social media, I was overwhelmed with people’s responses and now have 20 lovely ladies who have volunteered their time to help with this fantastic project.

“After noticing the idea from another hospital, I thought it would be great to bring this to Derriford and really thought it would benefit our patients.

“I have presented the muffs in a dementia study day and to anyone who passes the office door and the response has been great! It’s fab to see that when anyone is given one, Twiddle Muffsthey twiddle and fiddle with them, no one needs instructions on how to use them and it’s just natural.

“With the help of the fantastic volunteers, we have been able to provide patients with these, however with the increasing demand, it is hard to keep up with it. As the muffs are single patient use and they get to take them home when they leave hospital, this is a continuous project and the more help that we receive, the more patients we will be able to provide for!

“Hembury Ward are very focused on patient centred care by prescribing more than medical treatment during a patients stay. In the near future, it is hoped that we can supply the muffs to dementia patients throughout the hospital, regardless of the ward that they are staying on.”

If you would like to get involved with making the ‘Twiddle Muffs’ and/or could help with the donation of supplies, including wool, ribbon, buttons etc, please contact Sarah Corner on sarah.corner@nhs.net