HUG™ by Laugh
HUG™ by Laugh has been designed to bring comfort and pleasure to those living with dementia. This sensory product is made to be cuddled, and even features a beating heart.
About HUG™
Soft to the touch, HUG™ can be placed with its weighted upper arms over your loved one's shoulders with their hands on its back. The beating heart function mimics a heartbeat to help individuals relax whilst receiving their hug, and it can also play their favourite music.
The convenient electronics unit is simply removed by unzipping the side of HUG™. It is used to control the heartbeat and music function, as well as the volume. This unit can be charged with the supplied USB cable, and lasts up to two days of continuous use on a full charge.
Academic research
Academic studies from Cardiff Metropolitan Univerisity in collaboration with the University of the West of England have shown that HUG™ can benefit people who have dementia significantly [1]. Reducing anxiety, agitation and distress, HUG™ also assisted with compliance in medical procedures and daily care, as well as enhancing communication and socialisation.
Of those who used a HUG™ for six months in the studies, 87% had a positive change vs 13% with no change - but also no decline. With academic studies underpinning its design, HUG™ has been developed in a way that has the needs of those living with dementia at its heart. This complex condition affects individuals in different ways and at different rates, but HUG™ is an unobtrusive, simple to use sensory aid that can be used successfully by many.
Thelma's story
Thelma is a HUG™ prototype user in the advanced stages of dementia who is largely bed-bound, non-verbal, and who had frequent falls. Becoming increasingly withdrawn, her carers and the HUG™ team created and provided her with a prototype that had a beating heart simulator and played her favourite songs by Vera Lynn. Thelma reacted positively to the HUG™ immediately and would hold it close, rest her head on it and listen to the music.
Over the course of three months, Thelma began to speak and socialise more, and even stopped having falls. Her carers said:
"She’s come alive so much, whereas before she was sitting in her chair all day, not interacting with anyone just laying there and then going to bed for most of the day. She’s like a different lady now. ….HUG changes her. Her face has changed and she’s so talkative lately, this is like a miracle in a way."
The weight of the HUG™'s embracing arms and soft form provide comfort, the beating heart stimulates emotional memories of closeness to others, whilst the ability to personalise it with music and sound enhances retention of personhood and dignity. The importance of human affection and interaction is not to be understated, but HUG™ can help to simulate this when real contact isn't possible.
Further information
For some additional heart-warming stories that show how the HUG™ by Laugh has already helped numerous people, click through the images above.
You can also see the User Instructions document above for information on how to introduce HUG™ to a person affected by dementia, and the Technical Data Sheets to read about the academic studies with HUG™.
[1] HUG: A Compassionate Approach to Designing for Wellbeing in Dementia Care - Treadaway et al. 2023, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Whether it’s finding the right product for your individual needs, or getting expert advice about your condition or living arrangements, you can contact our OTs for a free consultation.
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Product Specification
- Machine washable
- Rechargeable
- Height: 93cm
- Length: 135cm
- Width: 15cm
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