Care home uses HUG dolls to soothe residents with dementia

A care home based in Whitstable has introduced a new initiative to help alleviate the feelings of anxiety by replicating a "calm" and "soothing" hug for residents living with dementia.

Bradbury Grange has brought in five HUG dolls to help comfort residents living with cognitive impairment, dementia and those in end-of-life care to replicate the same feelings they would get from hugging a relative or loved one.

The HUG has weighted limbs and a soft body that wraps around the resident. It also contains a simulated beating heart and a music player that can be programmed with a playlist of the resident’s favourite tunes.

Tim Bailey, deputy manager said: “We had the initial training session on how to use the dolls and we covered what the benefits were.

“During the sessions, I was cuddling one of the dolls and I was very impressed with what they did.

“The dolls are weighted around the arm which gives you a strong hold and it genuinely feels like you are hugging someone.

“We have tried some of the dolls with residents and they do find them quite comforting and soothing.”

'It makes you feel loved'

Developed at Cardiff Metropolitan University and tested in hospitals, care homes and domestic settings, HUG is scientifically proven to benefit those living with the advanced stages of dementia.

As dementia progresses, people living with the condition can become more isolated, agitated and anxious. There are currently very few products available that bring comfort, connection and meaning to the lives of people in the advanced stages of dementia.

Research has shown that the HUG can improve quality of life, reduce anxiety and agitation and enhance social interaction. People affected by dementia have really experienced the benefits.

The HUG is also supported by the Alzheimer’s Society to ensure it is widely available for those who need it most.

Chris Maddocks, an Alzheimer's Society ambassador said: “I think a lot of people living with dementia don’t know how they’re feeling or why they’re feeling a particular way, and the comfort that the HUG doll will bring people in those situations is just really calming, a soothing effect, and it makes you feel loved.”

Mr Bailey added: “We are aiming to distribute the dolls across the home and will see where they get the most use.

“Even though they're aimed at those residents who are living with dementia we will not restrict usage just to them, they are available for any of the residents to use.”

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