Eldery woman in a wheelchair smiling as she give a big hug to HUG: the comforting companion.

HUG

Reduce agitation and responsive behaviors with the comfort of a HUG

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The weighted sensory companion that brings calm through comfort

Older man holding the HUG, the sensory companion, designed for people living with dementia.

HUG is a soft, weighted plush doll with a built-in heartbeat and music player. Designed specifically for people living with dementia, it reduces anxiety, agitation, and distressing behaviors by offering a familiar, comforting presence.

  • Weighted limbs designed to provide the sensation of being held
  • Built-in heartbeat with adjustable intensity and a rechargeable Bluetooth music player
  • Machine washable and designed for daily use in care settings

Meaningful outcomes for residents and care teams

Reduce agitation and anxiety

Provides immediate comfort for residents experiencing distress, restlessness, or responsive behaviors

Support clinical care moments

Helps residents stay calm during routine care tasks like blood pressure checks or personal care

Backed by research

87% of residents who had a HUG for six months showed improved wellbeing, according to the Journal of Dementia

No added workload for staff

Simple to use and easy to clean, HUG integrates seamlessly into existing care routines without additional training

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A glimpse into the magic of the HUG

Who is HUG for

Memory care units

Designed for people living with advanced dementia, providing comfort and calm during moments of agitation or difficult care tasks.

Long-term care home

An evidence-based tool to reduce responsive behaviors and improve daily wellbeing across cognitive levels.

Hospitals and rehabilitation units

Already used in inpatient dementia units and stroke rehabilitation units to soothe patients and aid communication.

Families and loved ones

A meaningful gift that offers comfort and presence during the moments when you cannot be there in person

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Endorsed by professionals

Dougherty Apartments

We at Dougherty Apartments concur with the use and findings (NHS Hospital patient 2019-2021 research which demonstrated reduced anxiety, improved aid compliance and sense of purpose). Simply amazing results are witnessed.”

Kelvin Neave, CEO

The HUG has also been a hit with one resident in particular and it has helped him with his stress.

Carrie, VP for Development and Community Relations

The story and research behind the HUG

Designed by a world leader in compassionate dementia design

HUG was created by Cathy Treadaway, a researcher and designer at Cardiff Metropolitan University and a world leader in design for advanced dementia. HUG grew out of the LAUGH research project, a collaboration with the Alzheimer's Society dedicated to understanding what brings joy and comfort to people living with dementia. The result is a product that is as evidence-based as it is human.

Learn more about the research

An award-winning innovation

FAQs

View all FAQs

HUG is a weighted sensory companion designed for people living with dementia, particularly those experiencing agitation, restlessness, or other responsive behaviors. It is used in memory care units, long-term care homes, and hospital settings.

Yes, it is. Simply follow these steps:

  1. Remove the electronics unit (side zip).
  2. Take out the inner cushion and spray it clean with disinfectant.
  3. Place the outer cover in the provided mesh bag.
  4. Wash the cover in the washing machine using the delicate cycle.
  5. Let the HUG dry naturally and do not iron.

Please note that when you buy a HUG, there is no pre-stored music on it. You will need to add your own music to it. Here’s how:

  1. Switch on the heartbeat on the unit
  2. Plug the USB cable provided into the unit and connect this to the USB port on your computer
  3. The unit shows as a “drive” on your computer
  4. Add your MP3 music files onto the drive
  5. Once finished, eject safely from your computer and unplug the cable
  6. Switch the heartbeat off and on again, and the music will play

To stream music via Bluetooth:

  1. Switch on heartbeat
  2. Press and release the Bluetooth button
  3. Search on your phone's Bluetooth menu for HUG and connect. The HUG unit will now act as a speaker for you to play your music via your streaming device/account
  4. Only 1 device can be connected to the HUG unit at any one time
  5. Press and release the Bluetooth button to switch between modes

We do not advise the use of the HUG electronics unit by someone who has a pacemaker fitted.

No. HUG is intuitive for both residents and care staff.

Every HUG comes with the electronic unit featuring a built-in heartbeat and rechargeable Bluetooth music player, a charging cable, a mesh washing bag, and a canvas carrying bag.

Yes. Volume discounts are available for care communities purchasing multiple units. Contact our team for a custom quote based on your needs.

HUG works through sensory comfort: its weighted limbs create a sensation of being held, while the built-in heartbeat and music player provide familiar, calming stimulation. Together, these features help reduce anxiety and distressing behaviors without medication or complex intervention.

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Talk to a care advisor about volume discount on the HUG

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