Knitting enthusiasts offer creations to residents of a Creuse nursing home to stimulate them

It was Christmas before time for the residents of the Azérables nursing home (Creuse). This Wednesday, November 20, sixteen elderly people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's received sensory sleeves: tubes of soft fabric on the inside, composed of several materials on the outside. These objects will allow residents to stimulate their senses and appease them.

“I think it’s magnificent”exclaims Colette, one of the residents of the Azérables nursing home. This woman touches one of the sensory sleeves made by knitting enthusiasts “Les petits mains drabléziennes”. At the origin of this project, there is Laurine, one of the members of the group: “The idea comes from Great Britain where a psychologist noticed in her mother suffering from Alzheimer's that touching several materials calms her down.” The little Drablézian hands have launched a call for donations to collect various fabrics, thread, buttons, etc. All of this is securely hung to ensure the safety of residents.

Upon contact with these creations, the residents' faces light up, which makes Patrick “very moved”. He is the coordinator of the establishment's social life. “Seeing that some reserved, anxious residents have a smile and want to touch, it’s great.” The reaction of the elderly also affects Corinne, one of the knitters: “They’re our elders, we have to spoil them!”

A creation to appease residents

These creations are of real interest for residents suffering from neurodegenerative diseases according to psychomotor therapist, Bérénice Stringari. “These people have a different sensitivity. Words have sometimes lost their meaning so the sensory makes it easier to communicate with them.” This professional also sees another benefit: “Instead of wandering aimlessly, this allows patients to refocus on an activity, to relax, to rediscover pleasant sensations.”

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Among the 57 other residents of the Azerables nursing home, not affected by a neurodegenerative disease, some requested their copy. The little Drablézian hands promised to make them for them.