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Comfort Doll For People With Dementia
HUG is a comfort doll for people with dementia. Developed with NHS Doctors, Hug has a cheerful face and soft fabric body. I’ve held one and didn’t want to let go; it feels lovely.
HUG feels warm, soft, and a joy to cuddle. You don’t want to let go. In 2020, I was an exhibitor at the Dementia Show in Doncaster and instantly fell in love with it.
I can completely understand the comfort this would give to someone with dementia or any condition causing anxiety or distress.
What is HUG?
HUG is for you to hold and hug, and is perfect for adults and children with anxiety and Autism.
This Eskimo-like doll has weighted arms and legs and a soft body. HUG’s body contains a simulated heartbeat and a music player that can be programmed to play your favourite music. As hearing is the last sense lost to Dementia, music has been shown to stimulate memories, be therapeutic, and calming.
How can this help people with dementia?
Subsequently, as the disease progresses, people can become more isolated, agitated, and anxious. Currently, very few products are available that bring comfort, connection, and meaning to people in the latter stages of the disease. Additionally, many products require you to “do something” to generate an effect. One such example would be the magic water painting from Relish.
HUG only needs a hug!
The story so far
HUG™ was developed from academic research and tested in hospitals, care homes and by people affected by dementia living at home. BBC News shared an article about HUG™ in 2019.
Research has shown that it can improve quality of life. It helps reduce anxiety and agitation and enhances social interaction. Many people affected by dementia have experienced the positive benefits of HUG.
The daughter of someone living with dementia said:
‘HUG is a comfort for Mum. Wherever Mum goes, HUG will go. There is a strong attachment and emotional bond.’
A care home worker shared, ‘Using the HUG™ has been an effective way of helping our residents feel secure and loved. It’s been lovely to see the smiles and comfort HUG™ can bring.’
Partnering with HUG™
The Alzheimer’s Society has partnered with HUG through its Accelerator Programme. It invested in the company and helped with training, marketing and making it commercially available. The Charity also facilitated collaborations with music and electronic companies.
