A story about enabling movement and emotional connections

In their heyday, Dennis and his wife Joan would often trip the light fantastic across the glitzy ballroom floors of a bygone era—it was, in fact, how they had met. As the years advanced, those cherished memories of youthful exuberance remained a powerful bond between them. However, their connection was now challenged by Dennis’s diagnosis of dementia.

Dementia is widely recognised as a cognitive condition of memory loss worsening over time. What is less commonly known is that this memory loss can extend to essential bodily functions—remembering how to stand, walk, or even feed oneself. The resulting loss of physical movement can lead to muscle deterioration, leading to fragility of body as well as the mind.   For those experiencing this decline, it is immensely challenging; for loved ones, it is distressing to bear witness to. Dennis and Joan were edging ever closer to this difficult reality.

Care & Independence primarily work with healthcare professionals to provide moving and handling solutions and are trained in dementia-awareness. Occasionally, however, private individuals seek assistance directly. This was one such case. Desperate to preserve their shared past moments of music and movement, Joan reached out with a simple yet profound plea: "Can you help us dance together?" She believed that if they could continue dancing, even in some small way, it would continue to evoke the tenderness and intimacy they had always shared, even as the memories themselves continued to fade for Dennis.   For Dennis, this would provide a great source of comfort; for her, it would offer some solace amid his decline.

Moved by the emotionally charged request, the team set to in making this wish a reality for the couple. Collaborating with Dennis’s physiotherapist, an initial assessment confirmed that Dennis retained enough cognitive and physical ability to stand and move. However, his strength quickly waned, leading to confusion and instability - raising serious safety concerns. Nevertheless, there was still a way forward with the GLOVE Hug™ sling.

The GLOVE Hug™ is a standing and walking harness typically used in paediatric care to help children take their first steps. However, with sizes available up to size 9, supporting up to 200kg, it is also an excellent option for adults. Its high back support and corset-like design provide a secure, stabilising "hug" around the torso, delivering core physical support, as well as emotional reassurance.

Each thigh is supported by a wrap-around leg piece secured with clunk-click buckles, ensuring stability while standing. The sling’s large aperture, usually designed for access and toileting, would in Dennis’ instance, grant him freedom of movement around the lumber region - allowing him to move and turn more naturally. Additionally, the adjustable extensor strap, which typically accommodates extensor spasms, allowed Dennis to stand fully and safely supported while twisting and swaying rhythmically in time with the music.

A few weeks later after the installation of a ceiling track hoist, passersby would hear orchestral notes wafting through the open windows.   If they happened to glance inside beyond the net curtains, they might catch a glimpse of two silhouettes - gracefully lost in a waltz, their love story continuing despite the shadows of dementia.

*Due to the sensitivities of medical conditions, names have been changed to protect privacy.  Images used are for illustrative purposes only.