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Doll Therapy for Alzheimer's Patients
September is World’s Alzheimer’s Month, a special time intended to spread awareness and recognize dementia among our aging population. Dementia is a general term that we use for a decline in memory, reasoning, or other thinking skills that interfere with the daily life. One most common symptom of Dementia is Alzheimer’s which is recognized by difficulty in remembering, disorientation, confusion and behavioral changes.
Doll Therapy
Over the course of time, therapists have seen dolls to have beneficial effects in the lives of our elderly people. This method is called Doll Therapy, where dolls are introduced to the patients to ease stress and anxiety and reduce the tendency of negative behaviors to surface. This approach encourages responsibility and has also shown positive influence in communication among the residents in nursing homes and senior living facilities.
Doll Therapy involves giving a person a doll to hold as if it was a baby. Many patients enjoy cuddling and humming to a doll in their arms, as it brings back their happy memories of youth and regenerate nurturing feelings of early parenthood.
When introducing a doll to an Alzheimer’s patient for the first time, it is important not to force the doll to them. Let them to lead the way and get to know the doll at their own pace. Some adults may recognize the doll as doll, but some may see it as a real one before their eyes.
As they get to know the doll, allow them to build a special bond with them. Facilitate an experience of responsibility, introduce nurturing activities like diaper changing with our Reborn Doll Diapers, and feeding time with Paradise Galleries Magic Bottles. These activities are engaging and do not require many movements.
A senior from Willow Manor holding Cuddle Monster.
Doll Therapy can provide happiness and relief to people suffering with Alzheimer’s. In selecting a doll for your loved one, it is important to consider the size and weight of the doll. Each Paradise Galleries doll has bean-weighted cuddly body, thoughtfully crafted with premium types of vinyl to capture the feel of a real baby. Residents love dolls that represent an age from newborn to toddlers, dolls that embody fine details from their faces down to their baby feet.
You may also consider purchasing a Gift Card for your loved ones and allow them the freedom to select which doll/s they would want to take home. You can gift from as low as $20 up to $100.
