As science advances and research improves, more treatments become available for certain health conditions. One therapeutic advancement that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of therapy baby dolls for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s – also called doll therapy.
Doll therapy has emerged as a promising, non-pharmacological intervention for dementia care. When implemented correctly, dolly therapy can be a remarkable tool for seniors with cognitive conditions, evoking feelings of companionship, comfort, purpose, and joy – and reducing feelings of anxiety and agitation. Therapy baby dolls have been shown to make a major impact on the well-being of seniors with memory conditions.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of doll therapy for seniors with dementia, as well as how to coordinate doll therapy for your loved one in memory care.
What are Therapy Baby Dolls?
Therapy baby dolls are soft, lifelike dolls that are designed to be a realistic size and appearance to a real infant. The authentic feel of therapy baby dolls invokes a positive emotional response in seniors.
What is Doll Therapy?
Doll therapy is a therapeutic approach in which a senior with dementia or another health condition is provided a therapy baby doll to hold, rock, care for, and spend time with. Doll therapy is typically used for seniors in memory care communities who are in the middle to late stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Doll therapy requires seniors to draw upon emotional instincts and long-term memories to gently take care of a baby doll. Even as short-term memory fades, the instinct to care for and nurture a beloved infant will often remain.
When a senior receives a therapy baby doll, they can give it a name and spend time holding it, sleeping with it, dressing it, or even giving it accessories like blankets and bottles. They can also bring the baby doll along with them to meals and activities, reinforcing their bond. Because of this connection, therapy baby dolls have proven to be extremely impactful for dementia patients.
Benefits of Therapy Baby Dolls for Dementia Patients
Research has found numerous benefits of therapy baby dolls for dementia patients – especially as a non-pharmacological approach.
A study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic found that therapy dolls were overwhelmingly well-received by both patients and their families. Though some patients were more invested in their caregiving duties than others, the results of the study showed that almost all patients with a therapy doll showed reduced agitation and improved changes in demeanor.
Along with decreased agitation, other research suggests some other benefits of doll therapy for seniors include:
- Lessened anxiety and depression
- Increased social interaction – which improves cognition, mental health, physical health, and longevity
- Improved mood and happiness
- Increased sense of purpose and responsibility – which helps increase lifespan
- Increased physical and mental activity level
- Improved reception to receiving care
- Decreased wandering
- Decreased aggression
- Improved food intake – which is crucial for maintaining proper nutrition
While the impact of doll therapy can vary among seniors, this therapeutic approach has been shown to bring about positive results overall.
Guidelines for Doll Therapy for Seniors with Dementia
Some guidelines to follow when providing doll therapy for seniors with dementia are as follows:
- Introduce the doll gently: Give the senior time to warm up to the idea of caring for the doll. They may be initially hesitant or nervous, but eventually change their mind. Make them feel comfortable and show them the ropes, especially if it has been many years since they have held a baby.
- Follow the patient’s lead: If the senior believes the baby is real, go along with this notion and support them. On the other hand, if they view it as only a doll, refer to it as a doll instead. No matter how they perceive the doll, it can still provide them with many emotional and psychological benefits.
- Be prepared and flexible: While the majority reception of doll therapy has been positive, there is a chance the senior will not be interested in the idea. There is also a possibility the senior may feel anxious or overly concerned about the doll’s whereabouts. Be flexible about the senior’s reaction and do not force them to hold or interact with the baby doll if they do not want to.
- It may not be the end-all, be-all: Doll therapy has shown overwhelmingly positive results, but it may not be the right solution for every senior. If doll therapy does not resonate with your loved one, you can consider another therapeutic approach like pet therapy, music therapy, gardening therapy, or many other options.
Where Can Therapy Baby Dolls Be Used?
Therapy baby dolls can be used in long-term care settings, especially for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Some of these settings can include:
- Memory care communities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Assisted living communities
- In-home care
- Specialized adult day care centers for seniors with dementia
How to Choose a Therapy Baby Doll for Seniors with Dementia
The following are some considerations for choosing a therapy baby doll for dementia care patients:
- Size and weight of the doll: The therapy doll should have enough weight to feel realistic, but should not be so heavy that it becomes hard to carry or causes strain for the senior. Usually, 1-3 pounds is a good weight range to ensure it is accessible and inviting to the senior while not being too flimsy. The doll can be around 16-20 inches long to mimic the size of a small baby.
- Realistic appearance: In order to get the maximum benefit from the therapy, the baby doll should appear realistic and lifelike. Features like soft skin, expressive eyes, and gentle smiles make the baby doll feel authentic and therefore more likely to garner a positive response from the senior.
- Safety and hygiene considerations: For best results, make sure to choose a doll that is durable, easy to clean, and made of non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials. Another element to consider regarding cleanliness of the doll is to choose clothing items that are removable and washable.
- Let the senior choose: If possible, it can be effective to let the senior be involved in the decision and choose their own therapy doll. Sometimes they feel connections with certain dolls over others based on feelings of familiarity or affection, making the therapeutic approach more impactful.
How to Find Doll Therapy in Florida and South Carolina
Doll therapy is offered in many senior living communities and senior centers around the country. Some places that offer doll therapy for seniors in Florida and South Carolina are as follows:
- Al’z Place in Alachua County, FL – Adult day care program for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other memory conditions that offers various therapeutic activities including doll therapy
- Discovery Village by Discovery Senior Living – With 12 locations in Florida, including in Sarasota Bay, Naples, and Tampa Palms, this senior living community uses doll therapy for their memory care residents
- The Grand Baby Project – Presented by Phoenix Senior Living communities including the Pearl at Five Forks Memory Care in Simpsonville, SC
- TerraBella Senior Living – With numerous locations in South Carolina, including in Rock Hill and Spartanburg, this senior living community offers doll therapy as part of their memory care programming
Therapy dolls for seniors with dementia are also available for purchase online through various providers, such as:
- The Alzheimer’s Store
- Always Home Connected
- Paradise Galleries
- Amazon for more affordable options (just be sure to read reviews)
Conclusion
Doll therapy has emerged as one promising, medication-free approach for improving the quality of life of seniors with dementia. When provided in a supportive environment like memory care or adult day care for seniors with memory conditions, doll therapy has proven to have positive effects on mood, anxiety levels, and feelings of purpose and motivation.
A large number of memory care facilities and assisted living communities offer alternative therapies for seniors with cognitive conditions, including pet therapy, art therapy, aquatic therapy, and even doll therapy.
If you are looking for a memory care community that offers holistic treatments for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, we can help you select your best options.
Just tell our expert senior advisors what you are looking for, and we’ll handle the rest – so you can enjoy spending time with your loved one, worry-free.
Call us today at (800) 969-7176 or visit SeniorConsultingAdvisor.com to start exploring your options with our local experts who will guide you with compassion and expertise.
