Real stories

People affected by dementia try out products designed to be absorbing and relaxing

We visited a group of people with dementia on England’s south coast to get their feedback on products from our online shop.

Dementia Voice Local Groups meet regularly to influence our and others’ work. Worthing Town Cryers was one of the first of these to be established back in 2013.

Still going strong, the group welcomed us on a sunny spring day to look at three sensory products, designed to provide comfort and joy.

Curiosity Box

The Curiosity Box is designed to feel like an intriguing treasure chest or button tin, with a range of objects inside to explore and use. 

It comes with a tote bag and a card with hints and tips to help you get the most from it.

Exploring the box and its contents, group members noted their quality as well as effectiveness.

‘It’s interesting, with lots to do – lots to fiddle around with,’ said Steve. ‘It makes you relaxed and starts your brain thinking, “When have I used this?”’

Dave, throwing the large wooden dice, said, ‘It’s good to know I can throw a six! It makes me feel normal, and it takes me back.’

‘It gives you something to talk about,’ said Stan, ‘and it would definitely help if someone’s feeling restless.’

Jean said, ‘The spinning top is lovely – you could play with it for hours, couldn’t you? Takes you back to childhood.

The purse reminds you of going out shopping, and the picture cards would be especially good if you’ve been a keen gardener.

Stan said, ‘You could thread the lace through one of the buttons and spin it like an old toy,’ before doing just that and giving it to Jean to try.

She added, ‘I’d like a small piece of material and a blunt needle with thread to sew the buttons on it.’

Stan pointed out that you could add other items to the box. ‘You don’t need to rely on what’s in there. Family could add bits for the person using it.’

The price went down well, with Jean commenting, ‘I thought it would be more than that!’

Fufuly calming breathing cushion

The Fufuly calming breathing cushion was researched and developed to help reduce stress and promote wellbeing. The soft plush cushion moves as if breathing with a soothing rhythm.

Passing the cushion around, people noted how valuable a cuddle can be.

‘If you were feeling out of sorts or anxious, having a cuddle is always a good idea,’ said Sue.

Stan said the cushion ‘would bring comfort’ and Alan thought it was ‘fascinating’. But Clive said, ‘I’ve got the wife to cuddle!’

Pam and Dave had tried the Fufuly at home for a few days before the session.

‘Our first impression was that it looked interesting,’ said Pam. 

It seems well made and the material is soft, gentle and pleasant to touch.

However, the cushion’s weight and depth made it impractical for them. Pam said, ‘Dave immediately dismissed it because of weight and size.’

Tim thought it wouldn’t feel as heavy once it’s on your lap, and Steve noted its weight ‘must be because of the workings inside’.

‘The cushion is quite heavy,’ said Clive, ‘but it would be relaxing.’

Steve agreed, ‘If you were feeling stressed, the cushion would help.’

The price seemed high to group members – a problem often faced with specially designed products.

Jean, joking she’d prefer a man-shaped cushion, added more seriously, ‘It’s a bit big for me and heavy, I’d like a smaller one.’

She was pleased to hear that ‘breathing’ cats and dogs are also available, and Pam said, ‘My sister-in-law had one – she always had it with her.’

‘It’s nice to know what’s there for further down the line,’ said Jean.

Fiddle book

The Fiddle book has soft, velvety covers and four inside panels with zippers, beads, ribbons, sequins and much more. There’s even space for a photo behind a felt pocket.

Steve said, ‘It brings back memories, helps your brain, makes you think.’

Alan agreed, ‘It’s good, keeps you awake.’

Jean liked the different colours and textures, saying, ‘It looks attractive.’

'Very posh!’ added Dave.

‘It’s very well made,’ said Stan, ‘like everything from the Alzheimer’s Society shop.’

Jean said one of the buttons inside the Fiddle book reminded her of the toggles she had on a childhood duffle coat. She added, ‘You could count the beads on the ribbons, and do sums with them.

The zips would be better if there was a pocket in at least one of them, to put your hand in.

Jean liked the space for a photo behind the felt pocket, though the felt was quite stiff and harder to unbutton.

Group members said the price was reasonable.

‘It would be especially helpful for someone who can’t get up and do things,’ said Jean.

Prices (correct at April 2026):

• Curiosity Box – £34.99 or £29.16 with VAT relief.
• Fufuly calming breathing cushion – £199.99 or £166.66 with VAT relief.
• Fiddle book – £25.50 or £21.25 with VAT relief.

You can buy these and many other specially designed products VAT free if they’re for use by a person with dementia or other conditions. To save 20% on these and many other specially designed products, tick the box stating you’re eligible for VAT relief at checkout.