Northampton knitters called on to help keep dementia patients' hands warm with 'twiddlemuffs'

The hospital is encouraging knitters to knit and donate twiddlemuffs to help reduce agitation and restlessness in patients with dementia.

Emma Wimpress, voluntary services manager, said: “A twiddlemuff is a knitted handmuff with bits and bobs like zips and buttons added and incorporating different textures.

"Dementia can result in restless hands and agitation and twiddlemuffs can provide visual, tactile and sensory stimulation for people with dementia - as well as keeping hands cosy and warm.”

To support the project, email [email protected] for details and patterns.

Meanwhile, a group of knitters from Hardingstone have been helping the project.

The ladies from Bouverie Women’s Institute (WI) in Hardingstone have donated 24 knitted twiddlemuffs to Kettering General Hospital and 31 to Northampton General Hospital.

Dr Matthew Davies, medical director at NHS Nene, said: “We would like to thank Sandra Ingram, all the others at Bouverie WI and everyone who has helped to make a real difference to people with dementia who are being cared for in hospital. The twiddlemuffs, so carefully created and generously donated, are now helping to alleviate the anxiety of those people with dementia, reducing apprehension and tension.

People can become a Dementia Friend by watching a special video online and entering their details to receive a free information pack which is full of helpful tips and ideas.

Alternatively, people can also become a Dementia Friend by attending an information session in their local area. Full details are available at http://alzheimers.dementiafriends.org.uk/

Sandra Ingram, said: “Twiddlemuffs are very easy to knit and enjoyable to decorate. As a group, we are delighted to be able to support our local hospitals.

"There are many other groups and individuals creating and donating these wonderful items and hopefully it will inspire even more to support such a worthwhile cause.”