Doll Therapy In Dementia Care
Doll therapy has been proven to successfully promote comfort and security in those experiencing dementia, especially within the later stages of a diagnosis, and can provide a renewed sense of purpose.
Although not for everyone, doll therapy may well be a worthwhile consideration when thinking about dementia therapies for your loved one. The doll, either life-like or toy, can assist in improving mood and maintaining social behaviours and communication for those with a dementia diagnosis.
If youre thinking about introducing doll therapy into your loved ones care, it’s best to place the doll in a communal area without distraction or encouragement to engage. The nature of ‘caring’ for the doll should be a therapeutic experience, not a stressful one, and as such – the individual should find and interact with the doll on their own and in their own time - if they so wish. If the person doesn’t react to the doll immediately, that’s okay too - you can try placing it again some other time.
Doll therapy is often successful due to its ability to provide meaningful activity. Instead of consistently being the recipient of care, the individual can instead channel their energy into caring for something themselves – often promoting feelings of nostalgia and perhaps opening the conversation to memories of raising their own children.
Doll therapy is something that has been adopted by some residents of Renaissance Care, who have in turn experienced benefits including: decreased feelings of anxiety, improved wellbeing, and increased mood.
Doll therapy can (in a small number of cases) have a negative impact whereby the individual may begin to favour the doll's wellbeing over their own. You should always talk to a health professional before inserting a doll into a new environment and consider introducing boundaries such as removing the doll from dining or bedtime settings to limit distraction.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain – and so one method may not suit all. Continual monitoring and understanding of dementia is very important for the continued safety and happiness of the individual receiving this and any kind of therapy.
You can find more information and helpful FAQ’s on DementiaUK’s website.
