Clinical staff at the Upper Grand Family Health Team donated their time and talent to create almost 20 handmade “twiddlemuffs” for residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s at the Wellington Terrace Long-Term Care Home here.
Twiddlemuffs are knitted muffs with items attached to keep dementia patients’ hands active and busy. They contain strands of textured ribbons, beads and various fabrics attached both inside and outside.
People with dementia often have restless hands and like to have something to keep their hands occupied. They provide a wonderful source of visual, tactile and sensory stimulation – and they keep warm at the same time.
The idea originated with the NHS in the UK, where Lee Holloran, executive administrative assistant at the Upper Grand Family Health Team, lived and worked before relocating to Fergus.
She was joined by nurses, clinicians and administrative staff at the Upper Grand who generously turned their knitting skills to creating the twiddlemuffs.
Non-knitters on staff supported the cause by donating cash towards yarn and contributed buttons, beads, ribbons, zippers and other items.
The Upper Grand FHT donated the twiddlemuffs to the Wellington Terrace on Dec. 22.
Colleen Cudney, life enrichment manager, was on hand when residents, including Branislov Petrov, received the donation.
“We are delighted to receive this gift from the Upper Grand Family Health Team,” Cudney said. “It underlines our shared partnership in supporting the needs of this sector of our community but also shows the kind generosity of people who give of their time … for our residents at Christmas time.”
When asked what he thought of his twiddlemuff, Terrace resident Petrov answered with a smile, “They are very warm.”
