Community knitters bring comfort to dementia patients at RJAH

Dementia patients at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) are receiving extra comfort and reassurance thanks to the kindness of two local knitting groups.

The Crafty Knitters completed a one-off project to create a generous collection of colourful dementia blankets for patients on Sheldon Ward at the Oswestry-based hospital. St Mary’s Knitters have also made blankets and twiddle muffs for the ward and plan to continue supporting patients through their knitting.

Sheldon Ward cares for patients requiring general medicine, dementia care and rehabilitation. For patients living with dementia, small, familiar comforts can help them feel more settled in an unfamiliar hospital environment.

Dementia blankets, also known as sensory blankets, provide comfort, sensory stimulation and gentle engagement. Their bright colours and individual patterns can make a bed space feel less clinical and help patients recognise where they are staying.

Angie Mills, from Crafty Knitters, said: “Knitting is our passion, and we are always delighted to use it to support our local community. This project has certainly kept us busy, and knowing the blankets are bringing comfort to patients has made it incredibly worthwhile.”

St Mary’s Knitters became involved when Josie Taylor, a Health Care Assistant on Sheldon Ward and a member of St Mary’s Church, spoke to the group about the ward’s need for sensory items.

Josie said: “I mentioned that our patients needed blankets and twiddle muffs, and the group offered to help straight away. I was delighted by their kindness and enthusiasm.

“They have done a fantastic job, and it means so much to know that people in our community are thinking of our patients and giving their time to help them feel more comfortable.”

Twiddle muffs are soft, knitted sleeves decorated with a variety of securely attached textures and tactile items. They give patients something comforting to hold and explore, helping to keep restless hands occupied and providing a gentle distraction from medical equipment such as cannulas.

Creating each twiddle muff is a shared effort. St Mary’s Knitters make the soft sleeves, while Michelle Williams, Activity Coordinator on Sheldon Ward, knits the tactile items that are securely attached for patients to hold and explore.

Michelle said: “The twiddle muffs can make such a positive difference to our patients. They provide comfort, stimulation and something familiar to focus on during what can be an unsettling time.

“It is lovely to work alongside St Mary’s Knitters to create each one. We are incredibly grateful to them for their ongoing support, and to the Crafty Knitters for the wonderful collection of blankets they made for the ward.”

St Mary’s Knitters plan to continue making blankets and twiddle muffs for Sheldon Ward, helping to bring comfort to more patients. The ward would welcome additional support from anyone who would like to contribute knitted items or safe tactile decorations.

Anyone interested in supporting the appeal can get in touch:

• Email: rjah.sheldon.ward@nhs.net

• Tel: 01691 404371