Have you ever had a go at knitting a sensory band?
Sometimes called ‘twiddle-muffs’, these are knitted hand muffs, which are decorated inside and out with zips, buttons, beads or ribbons, and which have been proven to reduce anxiety in patients with dementia or delirium. By ‘twiddling’ and ‘fiddling’ with the bands, patients get visual, tactile and sensory stimulation. The bands can also help to alleviate boredom and reduce anxiety and aggression.
NFWI is encouraging WI members to get knitting to make sensory bands in support of our Carers Welcome campaign. Members are using the donation of the sensory bands to start a conversation with hospital staff about the care of patients with dementia on the ward.
You can find a sensory band knitting pattern here: