In a recent presentation given to Memorial Hospital nurses by Sycamore's very own, Natalie McFarland, Twiddle Muff's were all the buzz amongst the audience. Twiddle Muffs are therapeutic hand products providing comfort, warmth and activity to promote increased flexibility and brain stimulation. A Twiddle Muff is handcrafted and similar to a muff hand warmer with tactile attachments to the outside of the warm, cozy fabric. "This product is great for patients with Alzheimer's or Dementia," states McFarland, "because it stimulates the brain and can also be worn to cover IV tubing to prevent the patient from pulling the IV out."

Each year, Sycamore Village, along with most other long term care facilities, will send several residents out to the hospital, especially during the winter months. Hospital staff are often unsure about how to care for the patient with Alzheimer’s, especially when difficult behavior episodes occur. Since it is part of Sycamore’s mission to be our community’s resource for dementia care and education, it is our goal to continue to help educate and be a resource to our local hospitals.

This month, Sycamore Village is donating a Twiddle Muff to each of its local hospitals. The intent is to provide the hospital patients with dementia a nonthreatening therapeutic tool that also helps prevent them from pulling on the IV tube, which could potentially endanger their health. “It’s a first step,” says Executive Director Kendra Garnto, “We hope to continue to work with the hospitals and provide them with tools and resources that will enhance their care for a person with dementia.”