We all have those days when a big hug would really help. The lovely feeling of being wrapped up and held close in someone’s arms is very soothing, especially if you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. How much more so for someone who is living with dementia, disability or mental health struggles?
Prof Cathy Treadaway led the innovative LAUGH research at Cardiff Metropolitan University that resulted in the development of HUG, an award-winning therapeutic comforter. HUG is made from a super-soft plush fabric and has weighted arms and legs that wrap around the body, giving the sensation of being hugged. Inside there is a simulated heartbeat and a small Bluetooth music player that can stream a person’s playlist of favourite music, stories or sounds. HUG is washable, safe, easy to use and has been developed and tested in collaboration with NHS health professionals. Research findings show it can reduce anxiety and agitation.
The three-year UK government (AHRC) LAUGH research programme began in 2015 and aimed to create playful objects that would provide comfort and soothe individuals living with advanced dementia. HUG was one of six products developed from this research. Each product was tailored for a specific person, and to achieve this, Cathy and her team collaborated closely with people living with advanced dementia and their carers during the project.
HUG was designed for a lady called Thelma who was bedbound, unable to speak, and coming towards the end of her dementia journey.
When the researchers asked Ann, her carer, what kind of thing she thought Thelma might like, she replied, ‘all she really needs is a hug’.
So that was exactly what the team set out to produce. Cathy says that HUG had an amazing effect on Thelma.
“Within three months, she was no longer in bed all day, she began speaking again, her general health improved, and she didn’t fall again after receiving her HUG.”
Thelma went on to live for a further 9 months with a much-improved quality of life.
Cathy says that her 93 year old mum helped to inspire the design of HUG.
“I have an early childhood memory of sitting on her lap, feeling her arms around me and listening to her heartbeat. I felt very safe, warm and comfortable. That feeling of being held is very soothing, as is being able to hug, stroke and touch soft or furry materials. I think that’s the magic of HUG – it helps people to feel safe and loved. “
Further funding from the Welsh Government allowed Cathy to complete a larger study with a care home and an NHS hospital, to find out if HUGs might help other people living with dementia and cognitive impairment. The results of this study showed that not only did HUG reduce patient anxiety but also improved medical care delivery, improved communication with staff, and reduced the use of medication. HUG was available on prescription in the NHS hospital research.
The university encouraged Cathy and her two Research Assistants, Dr Jac Fennell and Aidan Taylor, to set up HUG by LAUGH Ltd., and subsequent Alzheimer’s Society Accelerator Partnership funding enabled the first batch of HUGs to be manufactured.
HUG is now sold in Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand and via Ravencourt Ltd in the UK. It is also available for purchase from Amazon, Boots and Argos online. Every sale of HUG helps raise money for Alzheimer’s Society research and innovation. www.hug.world has information about how to use HUG, stories from the research and resources showing how to introduce HUG to a person living with dementia.
