A fluffy cuddle for dementia patients

A cuddle from furry friends will soon be available to comfort dementia patients in hospital.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals charity has funded a selection of ‘dementia pets’ for wards in the county to provide one of the simplest forms of therapy for patients with severe dementia – a cuddle.

The sensory aids are life-like animals, the cats purr and they all simulate breathing as they sit on the beds and laps of patients to soothe them during hospital stays. Designs include Spaniel and Border Collie puppies and a variety of cats. 

The aids have been endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Society and are being introduced in accordance with Dementia UK guidance.

Group Director of Safeguarding and Patient Experience, Craig Ferris, said: “Spending time in hospital is unsettling for anyone, but particularly for our patients living with dementia. Sometimes having something familiar or a friendly distraction can bring great comfort. We are really grateful to the charity for supporting this amazing project.”

Charity Manager, Ben Petts, said: “As a charity we fund the extras not provided by NHS budgets. When we heard about the project and the difference it will make, we didn’t hesitate to get on board and fund 146 dementia pets. These will all be able to go home with the patients at the end of their hospital stay.”

Pictured above with some of the pets are Dementia Practitioner Alex Sneade, Charity Manager Ben Petts, Group Director of Safeguarding and Patient Experience Craig Ferris and Safeguarding and Vulnerabilities Nurse Specialist for Dementia Zoe Chapman