Sensory Muffs and Memory Muffs: Effective Tools for People with Dementia
Many innovative methods have been developed for the treatment of dementia. Sensory and memory muffs
are two of them. The muffs provide physical and mental stimulation for dementia patients and also support for
challenges in information processing. In this text, I will examine the benefits of sensory and memory muffs:
how they can improve the quality of life for dementia patients and ease their daily lives.
Activation and Development of Fine Motor Skills
The first muff was reportedly made by Margaret Light in 1997 for her grandmother Lily. With age, her grandmother's vision and hand function, which were accustomed to activity, had begun to deteriorate. When making the muff, Margaret wanted to provide her grandmother's hands with something to do and keep them
warm.
One of the benefits of the muff is that the handling of different materials, surfaces, and decorations gives hands accustomed to activity and restlessness something to do. However, it is not just about handling. Opening and closing the buckles, zippers, and buttons of the muff, exploring other activities of the muff, and examining the surfaces and decorations of the muff also develop fine motor skills, finger dexterity, and hand-eye coordination.
The muff can help with the use of hands and fingers. The following happened to someone who purchased a dog muff I made:
I took a dog muff, which had a tuft inside, to my friend in the hospital. Her hands had been
clenched for a long time. When she received the dog muff, she wanted to feel the tuft, and her fists opened. - Leena
Alleviating Fears and Anxiety
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Handling the muff and engaging in activities with it promotes the production of endorphins and pain-relieving neurochemicals, while also reducing fears, anxiety, and restlessness. This is also helpful in various care situations, such as when transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair. Sensory muffs are considered a non-pharmacological treatment method, which are recommended as the primary treatment for neuropsychiatric symptoms both nationally and internationally.
Sensory Stimulation and Evoking Emotional Memories
The sensory stimuli provided by sensory muffs help dementia patients to be present in the moment and participate in various activities. It is not just about the sense of touch, but also what is seen, heard, smelled, and tasted. Each muff can be personalized according to the person’s likes. The muffs engage different senses by incorporating themes from the recipient’s life. Things that the dementia patient likes and that evoke positive emotional reactions and memories. The emotional reactions triggered by the muff allow the reliving
of happy moments and provide comfort, joy, and a sense of security.
Happy moments and other details shape the layout of the muffs. These details serve as an anchor and bring the positive emotions to life.
Landscapes from their home, their favourite hobby, or their childhood pet can serve as inspirations for the muffs’ themes.
It can also be about a childhood photo found in the muff's pocket, a handkerchief smelling of favourite perfume, or a favourite candy.
Our mother likes octopus
- Susanna
Improving Communication
Muffs can also improve communication between loved ones and the dementia patient, as well as between healthcare staff and the dementia patient. The positive reactions evoked by memory muffs serve as conversation starters. They also help others to better understand the dementia patient.
What things are still important to the dementia patient?
What brings a smile to their face and makes their eyes shine?
Benefits of Muffs for Other Target Groups
Dementia patients are the primary target group for muffs. However, muffs can also be beneficial for other individuals who have difficulties in information processing, such as those with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, visual impairment, or hearing impairment. On an individual level, the benefits are determined by the needs of the muff recipient. I will delve into the consideration of the recipient's needs in later blog posts.
Best regards
Anna-Liisa
Sources
In the blog post, I have utilized the following sources, which I have marked in the text with numbers.