Geelong patients with dementia can have a more calming time in hospital, thanks to a generous donation of twiddle cuffs.
Good Neighbourhood Project’s Crafty Friends Group donated close to 50 twiddle cuffs to Epworth Geelong to help support patients with dementia during their hospital stay.
Group facilitator Anne Irwin said it was great to donate the knitted hand coverings to people in need and that she was proud of the group’s members for their efforts.
“It was good for those ladies, who come as part of the group, to see that they were doing something that had great value to somebody else,” she said.
“Hospital is not geared for people with dementia, as it’s so frightening and disorienting for them, so to have something with them that they can focus on can be a comfort.
“We also attach different items onto the outside of the twiddle cuff, like buttons or ribbons, so that people with dementia, who sometimes can only focus on something very close to them, had something to fiddle with or concentrate on.”
Epworth volunteer services manager Kylie Semple said arriving in hospital can feel overwhelming for patients living with dementia.
“Twiddle cuffs bring comfort and a sense of calm, helping soothe anxiety and provide gentle stimulation during their stay,” she said.
“This beautiful handmade donation means so much to our patients and their families, and the kindness of volunteers truly touch lives and brings warmth to our care.”
Epworth Geelong is always looking for more twiddle cuffs, and people can contact Ms Semple at Kylie.Semple@epworth.org.au to get involved.
