Hug

At the Item, we want to ensure that you have the opportunity to be able to purchase items that are committed and evidenced to improve lives: the 'Hug' is the latest in the line of items that does this.  Designed by a spin out company from Cardiff Metropolitan University, the Hug was developed for people with mid to late stage dementia.

Hug is a simple and effective way of reducing unwanted emotional situations by giving the person control over an item that is simple but effective. During Covid-19 times, it was reported that social isolation was increasing across the UK, but social isolation happens daily for a person who has dementia.  How many times have we heard that families just missed the close contact with their family members in care and looked forward to the day when they could safely hug their loved ones. For people with dementia, this was no different and they longed for the day when they could have close contact or a hug of another person.  Hug gives them that sense of security and control when all other control has been stripped away from them.

Hug isn't just a sensory aid, it becomes part of the family and as you will have seen in the video, Hug has the ability to record and play voices or music which again will stimulate the person and give needed comfort. Calming, anxiety reducing, unique and reassuring, Hug is a great innovation that should be applauded for its ability to interact with the person in a positive way and improve the lives of people who have dementia.

Glenn Knight CEO Training 2 CARE comments "Innovation in care is a must and the Hug has widely been welcomed as one of the best innovations of 2020.  It has been research based and has the backing of Cardiff Metropolitan University who helped to fund and develop this interesting item.  It is always hard to develop items for people that cannot communicate effectively what would suit them best, however this unique and fascinating item is perfect for people in mid to late stages of dementia".