We are an independent charity, hoping to make a real difference to Milton Keynes University Hospital as well as community health services in and around Milton Keynes. 

When someone suffers from Alzheimer’s or Dementia they may frequently become anxious or agitated. An effective, drug-free way to calm and soothe is to give them a soft toy they can cuddle and interact with. MKUH Friends has found some amazing robotic stuffed toy cats, kittens, and pups. They’re lifelike and engaging as well as being cute and cuddly soft. They’re battery powered, so they can purr, meow, bark, move, and respond in realistic ways when petted or hugged. These full size pets are a bit of an investment but dementia experts have said that it’s well worth the price to see older adults so calm, happy, and engaged. Some Dementia sufferers think these
are real animals and feel a sense of purpose when they pet and “care” for them. Others may simply enjoy them as a fun, cuddly interactive toy. Many caregivers report that after giving their patient a stuffed animal, they’ve seen positive results like increased happiness and calm, reduced agitation and anxiety, increased engagement through playing and talking with their ‘companion’, having a sense of purpose from caring for their pet, reliving happy memories of a previous dog or cat and giving visitors (especially children) something to focus on and interact with for more successful visits.