Formby Manor introduces ‘Hugs’ for national hugging day

A local care home is spreading joy across its dementia communities with the introduction of new HUG companions in time for National Hugging Day on Friday 21 January.

Located on Liverpool Road in Formby, Formby Manor is one of the first care homes in the UK to introduce HUGs; innovative soft comforters that are designed to be cuddled and bring respite to those living with advanced dementia.

With weighted limbs and a soft body that contains a simulated beating heart and music player that can be programmed with a playlist of the resident’s favourite tunes, HUGs can reduce anxiety and agitation, improve quality of life and enhance social interaction, providing many benefits for those living with dementia.

Home manager at Formby Manor, Debra Roose commented: “As dementia progresses, people can become more isolated, agitated and anxious, something that has become especially evident over the last couple of years with the uncertainty and changes that the pandemic has thrust upon us. Anything we can do to enhance the exceptional care that our dementia community already enjoys is important to us so when we learned about the HUGs we knew that we had to bring them to Formby Manor. Bringing comfort, helping individuals feel secure and loved, we can see first hand the warmth and joy the HUGs provide from the smiles on our residents’ faces. Every day is National Hugging Day with our wonderful new HUGs.”

When the huggable was wrapped around her, resident at Formby Manor, Ann Cain (pictured), said: “Sometimes a hug is all you need to make you feel better.”

Developed at Cardiff Metropolitan University and tested in hospitals, care homes and domestic settings, HUG is scientifically proven to benefit those living with the advanced stages of dementia and the HUG by LAUGH business is supported by the Alzheimer’s Society to ensure it is widely available for those who need it most.

Formby Manor is a stunning 76 bed care facility. Part of New Care, a development-led care home operator that has an enviable reputation for designing and delivering state-of-the-art purpose-built care centres, Formby Manor offers exceptional levels of residential, nursing and dementia care in a safe and comfortable environment. For further information on Formby Manor, please contact Debby on 01704 339090 or emailenquiries@newcarehomes.com. Alternatively, visit www.newcarehomes.com. For further information on the HUG product, please see www.hug.world