Is it really ok to give Grandma a doll?

Many places that provide care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias are making use of lifelike dolls for some of their clients. Some people question the practice and claim that it is belittling or otherwise disrespectful to offer a doll to an adult. Others claim that “therapy dolls” are an essential part of a high quality memory care program.Dolls have been shown repeatedly to soothe and comfort people with Alzheimer's. Although there has been little formal investigation of the effects that dolls can have on people who have Alzheimer's disease, caregivers who have participated in doll therapy for dementia speak positively about the experience.Through the research that has been conducted, as well as anecdotal benefits reported by the staff, dolls have been found to create a calming effect, reduce pacing, increase communication and improve speech. Many caregivers have expressed the opinion that the effect was the result of the individual now having a sense of purpose or focus.Prelude’s Memory Care Cottages offer Doll Therapy as part of our Sensory Room Program. Since the very start of our programming in August of 2011, “Baby Emma” has been a welcome part of several of our ladies’ day. One woman has loved having her in her lap and sitting with her in a comfortable chair, noting the expression on her face and recounting stories of her own children as infants. Another took to carrying Emma with her throughout the building and is frequently seen stopping to give the doll a kiss as she walks down the hall.Although it can be uncomfortable to see an adult hold a doll, the benefits of the comfort they provide are significant for many individuals. Doll therapy is not for everyone and it is important to know the individual well and have a good sense of their history with small children before introducing a therapy doll. If your loved one is experiencing anxiety, frequently looking for “the children”, or otherwise distressed in their dementia, a therapy doll may be a tool that will provide comfort in times of distress or a sense of purpose in daily living.If you would like more information about the use of therapy dolls or other techniques to communicate with and calm your loved one who has dementia, you may contact Janelle Johnson, Prelude’s Vice President of Memory Care and Behavioral Specialist at (651) 501-6513 (ext. 3)Article submitted by Janelle Johnson Vice President of Memory Care, Prelude Homes & Services