IT IS HUGS all around for residents at a Malpas care home with the acquisition of a sensory product designed to give comfort and reassuring.

Prospect House Care Home, in High Street, Malpas, has invested in a HUG by Laugh, a new wellbeing sensory product for individuals looking for comfort and a reassuring hug.

Sarah Stroud, registered manager at Prospect House Care Home, which provides residential care, says the sensory toy is to help patients with dementia.

She said: “Our investment in HUG is all about providing those living with dementia the tactile experiences they like to receive.

"It doesn’t replace human contact – it’s a tool, a bit like a snuggly cushion, teddy or even a pet.

"The HUG is scientifically designed to help those who relate to their world through their senses, it really has become an extremely huggable friend to many at Prospect House."

She added that while it is helping to fulfil bonding and attachment needs, the HUG’s arms fit snuggly round the shoulders while the body rests on the chest.

Also, its weighted limbs, soft body and simulated beating heart, provides tactile comfort whilst mimicking a human hug – just perfect for cuddling.

HUG by Laugh ® has been developed from Cardiff University research by design researchers, engineers and health professionals, working directly with people affected by dementia and their carers. HUG is designed to be cuddled and has a beating heart within its soft body. HUG can also play specific playlists uploaded for any specific individual’s musical preferences.