A close-knit community – local volunteers knit sensory aids for residents at Field Lodge

Home news

Feb 11, 2019

A local community group donated over 30 ‘twiddlemuffs’ for residents living with dementia at Field Lodge.

Residents at Field Lodge were joined by volunteers from the Somersham and Pidley Time Bank, whose volunteers had freely given their time to create 33 ‘twiddlemuffs’ for the home. 

The time bank is a community group, where local people (‘time bankers’) give their skills and time in exchange for time credits. This cashless society aims to bring people together and help build a stronger, safer and happier community.

A ‘twiddlemuff’ is a soft knitted tube with accessories such as textured beads, ribbons and buttons sewn on to them – both inside and out. It is essentially a sensory band, which is used for people living with dementia. It allows them to experience visual and tactile stimulation, while keeping their hands warm and occupied. ‘Twiddlemuffs’ can be reassuring and can also help those living with dementia to feel safe, calm and relaxed. 

Linda Martinez, home manager at Field Lodge, said: “We were delighted to welcome members of the Somersham and Pidley Time Bank to our home, and we’re so grateful to the local community for giving up their time to create a huge array of specially knitted twiddlemuffs. These handmade sensory aids are a wonderful gift for the residents, especially those living with dementia, and they will be treasured by each and every owner at the home.”

Trisha Browne, a member of the Somersham and Pidley Time Bank, said: “It was quite a task knitting 33 twiddlemuffs for the lovely residents at Field Lodge, but our time bankers rose to the challenge, and the smiles we saw at the home certainly made every stitch worthwhile and extremely rewarding. It was great to see the joy and intrigue that the knitted twiddlemuffs brought to each resident, and we hope they come in useful to the home.”