HUG by LAUGH: An innovative partnership with Alzheimer’s Society

What is HUG™ ?

HUG™ is a soft comforter designed to be cuddled by people living with advanced dementia. It has weighted limbs and a soft body that contains a simulated beating heart and a music player that can be programmed to play a person’s favourite music.​

How can HUG™ help people with 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 advance stages of dementia.

The story of HUG™ so far

HUG™ has been developed from academic research and has been tested over the last four years in hospitals, care homes and by people affected by dementia who are living at home. BBC News shared an article about HUG™ in 2019.

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.

A 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 has been amazing to see the smiles that a HUG™ can bring.’

Chris has been helping to evaluate the product and was featured in a film about using HUG™ in lockdown as part of the BBC's The One Show broadcast earlier this year.

Partnering with HUG™

Alzheimer’s Society has been partnering with HUG by LAUGH through its Accelerator Programme. As well as investing in the company, we have been working with the team to help make HUG™ commercially available so that it can reach as many people with dementia as possible.

We have supported HUG by LAUGH to continue to work with people with dementia and their families to help shape the product and packaging. The business has benefitted from connections to various departments and individuals, including, but not limited to, training, brand, marketing and communications, and music and electronics companies.

HUG by LAUGH have told us, 'We are thrilled to be collaborating with Alzheimer’s Society as it gives people affected by dementia an opportunity to help shape the product and therefore benefit those who are really in need of a cuddle.'

HUG™ is available now!

HUG™ is now available from the HUG by LAUGH website and our Alzheimer’s Society Online Shop.

HUG™ costs £150.00 (VAT relief price at £125.00, code: AT216), with 10% of net profit going directly back to Alzheimer’s Society.