My mom loves her dolls! She was annoyed at one time because the baby never opened her eyes. We ordered another one with her eyes open. She loves her so much and it brings her so much joy.
My mom has a monkey. It came from when she was having hallucinations really bad one night for over an hour there was a monkey in the bed with her playing with her. My sister-in-law went to the gift shop and bought her a monkey it's just a small monkey. With big purple eyes. My mother loves this monkey she treats it like a baby she pets it, she talks to it, it sleeps with her and you do not take it away from her. It was really strange how it all came to be but amazing how it worked! So for all the people who think it's demeaning I don't know that they've ever dealt with an Alzheimer's or dementia patient in detail. I certainly would put up an argument with them!
I run a doll ministry. We have given dolls to memory care facilities and what experts say is true. However, it's not just for them. A lady has just arrived at a battered women's safe house. One of the first things the house counselor does is present to her, a beautiful baby doll. She says she can't accept it, that it's too nice for her, that someone else might want it and, "Are you sure it's okay?" Several times. In other words, she's been seriously oppressed. Then, she embraces it and tears flow and she says, "I've needed something like this." Even people not in crisis do this. I've seen it now dozens of times. I think any woman who wants a doll shouldn't feel ashamed to accept one. It's why we say, "Comfort is healing."
I collect "reborn" dolls and want to donate them to an Alzheimer's and dementia unit when I pass away. I know they need to go to something like you do a doll ministry because the magnets will have to removed. I don't know where to find them? So I'm wondering how I go about finding one so I can leave the instructions for my family.
Actually.. the doll therapy does work in my family. My aunt communicates and interacts better with others in her residence. And she is A LOT happier being with the doll.
Hi Dr Natali. This is a great way to help communication in dementia patients. Another great technique is puppet therapy. I do ventriloquism and I use my husbands favourite puppet to help with his communication difficulties. It’s fun and inoffensive and helps relieves stress to the patient and carer.
I would give this therapy a try, because of my experiences with my dolls. One of my dolls saved my life 16 years ago and prevented me to commit suicide. They help me with depression, anxiety and also loneliness. I always have a doll with me when I leave my house.
So happy to read this! Even though I was never into dolls even as a kid, I love stuffed animals. A great comfort. I'm 60 and my house is still full of stuffed animals. And I do travel with one. It does help with depression.
Thank you for all the wonderful information you offer to help us! I just discovered your videos and greatly appreciate your advice! My mom has become attached to 2 stuffed animals that she holds in her lap most of the time. She is in a nursing home (fyi). She told me recently that she knows they aren't real but she loves loving them. I think they help her so much and are a great comfort to her.
I had never heard of this type of therapy before yet coincidentally my LO recently moved to a CBRF memory care unit & I noticed a woman w/a doll there. Over the past 2 weeks I’ve seen this woman w/the doll cradling it, walking w/it and talking to it much like a “ mother” or child would. Yesterday I was surprised to see it laying on a dining room table unattended with her no where in sight. Your explanation was an aha moment of better understanding what that all was about! Thank you for sharing your knowledge of this type of dementia therapy. My first thought on this therapy is if it helps the LO with agitation etc then I see no harm.
I remember when I was still little my great grandmother had Alzheimer's and had had many strokes and was non verbal and this was long before reborn dolls. They gave her a rag type doll that she just carried everywhere with her. If one of us grandkids picked up her baby her eyes wouldn't leave that doll to be sure it was being taken care of properly. Her face just lit up Everytime we placed it in her arms. I collect and when I pass away my kids know mine get donated to Alzheimer's units.
Thank you for the pros and cons. I worked as a senior caregiver in-home and in a facility as well as assisted in activities. I can no long work so I am now going to make reborn babies so I appreciate this video so very much because I know know what to discuss with families & caregivers.
I work with people with moderate to severe dementia and (especially the ladies) they LOVE the baby dolls! If they seem to be getting distressed by the “baby” (though we do refer to the doll as the baby and then let them take over how they please) we take them away. Often by reaching out and saying “I’ll take them now” so they have a chance to relieve themselves. I’d also be mindful of where the “babies” are kept. I looked after a lady who got VERY distressed when they were left around the home because she thought the mother had lost them! Also, keeping the “babies” in drawers and in beds is often where people of past generations let their children sleep! We intervened with taking the “babies” to rooms because residents stopped sleeping in their own beds so that the baby had somewhere to rest. Notice the patterns and adjust accordingly
My mom does not normally like dolls but her personality has changed so much and she needs activities I'm going to give it a try. Once again thanks Natali
Thank you for all your videos. I'm learning so much. This is the first I've heard of doll therapy, and I don't think my dad would care for it. He is happy in his garden. Gardening is his daily therapy.
I've commented prior to this that my 93 yr old father is at a memory care facility and has had a difficult time adjusting. His nurse told me she decided to try the doll therapy with him. He took to the doll right away and was holding it and talking to it and gently stroking its face. She'll see if over the next few weeks if it brings him some comfort.
I love that he gardens! Everyone is different and rather than trying to force something onto someone, it's always best to follow their lead with their interests. Great job! I hope the garden is doing well this summer!
My great grandmother back in the 70s had dementia and she had a doll she thought was a real baby. I don't know who gave her the doll. She was always so happy cooing at her baby and inviting people to admire her baby. She was also a mother of 8 and loved kids. Her daughter, my grandmother, has dementia now and she has a dozen stuffed animals people keep giving her. She is very attached to them, but one in particular that she will coo at and talk to in a very sweet sing-song voice. She is always so happy to give him a pat. I think it was just a natural inclination that I'm sure we reinforced by cooing with her and sometimes asking how her doggy is doing while she is interacting with it. Seems to work well for her. I have seen all the benefits listed in this video at play with both of them and no bad side effects. I recently saw a mechanical dog with very soft "fur" that appears to breath, wiggled and makes nice noises when pet that is being marketed for dementia patients. I was wondering if that might be good, or too much (maybe she will worry about feeding him or something).
Wow! Thanks for sharing your stories about how dolls and stuffed animals have worked for your family. I think I stuffed dog could work similarly but there is no formal research on this that I know of at the time. Basic guidelines do suggest that if the animal or doll makes noise or has human-like qualities (crying, breathing, etc.), there is more risk of the person with dementia becoming stressed about having to care for the object. However, I believe that this risk exists even for the basic dolls and animals that do not make any noise. It's hard to know for sure how anyone will respond until it's tried.
Haven't heard of this, but what do I know since I do not know much about dementia. I have a dear friend who has a husband that has just been placed in a nursing home in Asheville, NC. He is critical. He was placed out of his home due to him swallowing a watch battery. The battery got stuck in his esophagus and he had to have surgery. He is a Vet and served in the Army for 9 years. He was in the Viet Nam war. His gift was also serving as a medic while enlisted This year he became unsafe living at home due to him swallowing a watch battery, He is the husband of my best friend. It is hard on her and the family, but they are making it. The do not get to see him too often. My friend did not learn how to drive. If anyone does not know about "Facetime" you can use this method to see and I think talk to your loved one. I have not seen the process, but plan to go visit my friend soon and learn how to do this. Thought that I would share this with you if you cannot be with your lived one often. Please pass this along
I have been recently gifted with a doll for my mom (she has late stage Alzheimer’s) I visit with her a few hours every Sunday. She lives with my dad and brother. I don’t think they will monitor her with the doll or try to keep it safe or clean. Would it be better if I just brought the baby doll with me for visits so the doll doesn’t get lost or damaged? Or would only a few hours a weekend be detrimental? I’m not sure the best approach
I just bought a doll for my mom today. I don't know how to present it to her. Right now it is in her room. I am going to see if she discovers it. She is in what believe to be stage 6 but I still don't know if she will be offended or not. The reason I would like her to take up with the doll is because she is fixated on my cat. She wants it in her room at all times and it needs to get out to eat and go to the bathroom. If it leaves her room she thinks it will freeze to death or get lost "outside" but it is a completely indoor cat. Plus, she thinks there are more cats and other things. I feel for my poor, 12 year old cat! I just don't know if I should give mom the doll or let her discover it?
kzeor I actually saw a cat for dementia patients on amazon. I was wondering the same thing about how to introduce the doll to my Grandmom. But love your cat story funny and cute
Hello, Yes Doll therapy can work, but and a BIG BUT....not all people your loved one is around understands or even takes instruction, sometimes common sense on doll therapy. For our Mom "Jessica works great for sundowning and mood. Giving her the doll changes her from angry and frustrated to nurturing and quiet. Examples of not how to help with doll therapy. Do NOT call them by the names of REAL babies in their lives. Do not stress them out more by telling them their baby is in another room and crying for them. Do not treat the doll like a toy by throwing it around or carrying it by its leg or arm. Learn to go with the dementia patient on....we have a sitter coming to care for the baby while you go to....eat, exercise, shower etc. Do not throw a doll in their arms just as a daily routine, use it as therapy for your loved one/resident who might be angry or upset, fixated on something you are trying to ease their mind about. Our Mom is now in a memory care community and we are learning that there is NOT ENOUGH education for dementia caregivers at all. This has been a whole new nightmare for us.
Yes! Thank you so much for this valuable and insightful response. We should not be telling people with dementia that the dolls are real or pushing them onto people with dementia. You are so right. I'm sorry to hear the memory care facility has not been working well for your mom. It sounds like you are giving them a much needed education! I hope things get better for you and your mom's care.
I personally think Doll Therapy is wonderful, but much like Pet Therapy it depends on the person. I have found those who are parents, or close aunt/uncles, it works. For those who were not parents or didn't like children when younger, it did not work. It also has not worked for those in early-mid stages. It truly is a case by case basis as stated in the video.
As I watch, in a very short window of time, our LO regress to what seems to be a 5 or 6 year old much of the time, I just might give this a try. The thing that concerns me is how her spouse and other immediate relatives will react. Of course I don’t care in the least what they think. IF this type of therapy keeps her occupied and less anxious I’m all for it. An open mind and no denial is what’s important. Now if I can just convince everyone else here in our family of that...
It might be worth a shot. Your concerns are common. Often times, it's others around the person using doll therapy that seem to have the issue the approach. I hope your LO responds well and hopefully family will notice how it helps her and not get hung up on the doll. Best of luck!
I think they should remember that it's about her, not them. She is more important than conventions or appearances. If it helps her, it eventually helps them.
I have a huge collection of baby dolls. My collection of dolls look fairly real. I never thought my husband would ever want to have anything to do with them. He goes to them and talks to them as if they are real and even chooses one to hold. He often brings one to me. He enjoys holding them. I am not sure if he just enjoys them or if at times he thinks they are. He will go for days or weeks without even mentioning them and then he goes to them and talks to them. Is this ok or should I put the dolls away?
Omg! What about adult diapers? I think that is more demeaning and taking away their dignity.... A baby doll is a baby doll... I am 57 years old and I still play with dolls. As a matter of fact I am a reborn artist and I reborn baby's and sell them to adults. If you was to see the look on the face of a Alzheimer patient when you give them the doll, they just light up. Its amazing... It calms them and they open up and start talking about their children. Its a wonderful thing.
When giving dolls to elderly ladies with dementia or anyone else, we make sure they are age-appropriate. We only give out collectibles. One brand we give to dementia patients is high quality and made entirely of silicone vinyl, safe enough for a toddler or an infant. We are all about dignity. I have baby dolls all over the house and I don't feel demeaned at all--and yes. I sit and cuddle them, especially if I'm in pain.
Hi Mary! There is no special doll that is needed. You can go to any store or order a doll online. Try to stay away for the dolls that cry or wet themselves, something basis tends to be best. Let me know how it goes with your mom!
Activity directors in care centers tend to like dolls that are all vinyl as some dolls need periodic cleaning. There is an online store called CRs Crafts. Currently, they are selling anatomically correct and you can select the gender. They are from the "Diana collection." They are very sturdy and some in two sizes, 21 and 16 inch. A lot of ladies find the smaller ones easier to handle. They are also baby-powder scented and the larger is $50. It might seem a bit spendy, but they are sculpted by a pediatrician so the detail is amazing. You can find similar dolls on Amazon. They will cost a little more, but they are cilicone, verey soft and plenty of detail. The larger ones will fit newborn baby clothes. They will arrive in a matter of days. I like the high quality because they're more age-appropriate, the same dolls I display in a glass cabinet at home. You may also find some real bargains on Ebay. It's a good idea that you know your brands and typical prices or you can be ripped off.
My mom has some stuff animal's that she has on her bed. When I get her ready for bed I give her Micky mouse and she holds his hand and goes to sleep. I'm gonna try the doll therapy with her . Thank you
I have an unrelated question. In the last several weeks my Mom has been hallucinating or having dreams that she believes are real. It seems like she is OK maybe 10 - 20% of the time. We just found out my brother has a rare form of cancer. Should we tell her?
Hi Cindy! I am sorry to hear about your mom and your brother! Your question is a very personal one with no one right answer. What you decide to do must feel right to you. For some people, they choose not to provide this type of news because it just causes distress. For others, they feel that they should let their loved one know. Take comfort in knowing that whatever you decide to do, you and your family will be able to work through it.. I will say, that if you choose to tell your mom the news, it's usually not a good idea to remind her if she forgets and then asks about your brother again. That tends to make the person with dementia grieve all over as if it's the first time they've heard the news. I'm sending you all the best. Let me know what you decide to do.
Thank you for responding. My brother decided he wanted my Mom to know, and we did not want her to hear it from someone else. However, my brother lives 8 hours away and my Mom does poorly with the phone, so I told her. She was having a better day, and she understood what I told her and her responses were appropriate and she understands how serious it is. She talked to her caregiver this afternoon about it (I have told her caregivers because I didn't want them to think it is a dream or hallucination if she talks about it). Sometimes she seems to do better with the really big stuff and not as well with the smaller things. I have a feeling she will retain this. It will get announced at her church tomorrow because they all know my brother. I will be with her and if it seems too overwhelming we will leave. Thank you so much for the work you do. It has been very helpful. I have printed out your survival guide and included it in a book that the caregivers use to work with my Mom. Your response means a lot to me. Thank you.
It's not for everyone, that's for sure. What was interesting in the studies I read, was that males also responded well to this approach, although most were females.
I have seen men take to babies as well as women. Caregivers tend to overlook males who were great fathers and miss the interaction as well as women do.
Careblazers: dementia care heroes thanks for the advice but she throw stuffed animals across the room, and she's just a little too jumpy for a little dog to sit next to her. Course it's not her fault
My mom loves her dolls! She was annoyed at one time because the baby never opened her eyes. We ordered another one with her eyes open. She loves her so much and it brings her so much joy.
My mom has a monkey. It came from when she was having hallucinations really bad one night for over an hour there was a monkey in the bed with her playing with her. My sister-in-law went to the gift shop and bought her a monkey it's just a small monkey. With big purple eyes. My mother loves this monkey she treats it like a baby she pets it, she talks to it, it sleeps with her and you do not take it away from her. It was really strange how it all came to be but amazing how it worked! So for all the people who think it's demeaning I don't know that they've ever dealt with an Alzheimer's or dementia patient in detail. I certainly would put up an argument with them!
I run a doll ministry. We have given dolls to memory care facilities and what experts say is true. However, it's not just for them. A lady has just arrived at a battered women's safe house. One of the first things the house counselor does is present to her, a beautiful baby doll. She says she can't accept it, that it's too nice for her, that someone else might want it and, "Are you sure it's okay?" Several times. In other words, she's been seriously oppressed. Then, she embraces it and tears flow and she says, "I've needed something like this." Even people not in crisis do this. I've seen it now dozens of times.
I think any woman who wants a doll shouldn't feel ashamed to accept one. It's why we say, "Comfort is healing."
That's beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
I collect "reborn" dolls and want to donate them to an Alzheimer's and dementia unit when I pass away. I know they need to go to something like you do a doll ministry because the magnets will have to removed. I don't know where to find them? So I'm wondering how I go about finding one so I can leave the instructions for my family.
Actually.. the doll therapy does work in my family. My aunt communicates and interacts better with others in her residence. And she is A LOT happier being with the doll.
Hi Dr Natali. This is a great way to help communication in dementia patients. Another great technique is puppet therapy. I do ventriloquism and I use my husbands favourite puppet to help with his communication difficulties. It’s fun and inoffensive and helps relieves stress to the patient and carer.
I would give this therapy a try, because of my experiences with my dolls. One of my dolls saved my life 16 years ago and prevented me to commit suicide. They help me with depression, anxiety and also loneliness. I always have a doll with me when I leave my house.
So happy to read this! Even though I was never into dolls even as a kid, I love stuffed animals. A great comfort. I'm 60 and my house is still full of stuffed animals. And I do travel with one. It does help with depression.
I absolutely don’t believe that it’s demeaning! We were always taught to respect the “baby” as if it were real!
They are so amazing for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I have been able to use less medication for anxiety attacks by just holding onto a doll.
Thank you for all the wonderful information you offer to help us! I just discovered your videos and greatly appreciate your advice! My mom has become attached to 2 stuffed animals that she holds in her lap most of the time. She is in a nursing home (fyi). She told me recently that she knows they aren't real but she loves loving them. I think they help her so much and are a great comfort to her.
I'm so glad your mom finds comfort in the stuffed animals!
I had never heard of this type of therapy before yet coincidentally my LO recently moved to a CBRF memory care unit & I noticed a woman w/a doll there. Over the past 2 weeks I’ve seen this woman w/the doll cradling it, walking w/it and talking to it much like a
“ mother” or child would. Yesterday I was surprised to see it laying on a dining room table unattended with her no where in sight. Your explanation was an aha moment of better understanding what that all was about! Thank you for sharing your knowledge of this type of dementia therapy. My first thought on this therapy is if it helps the LO with agitation etc then I see no harm.
I'm with you...if it doesn't cause harm, then give it a try!
I remember when I was still little my great grandmother had Alzheimer's and had had many strokes and was non verbal and this was long before reborn dolls. They gave her a rag type doll that she just carried everywhere with her. If one of us grandkids picked up her baby her eyes wouldn't leave that doll to be sure it was being taken care of properly. Her face just lit up Everytime we placed it in her arms. I collect and when I pass away my kids know mine get donated to Alzheimer's units.
Thank you for the pros and cons. I worked as a senior caregiver in-home and in a facility as well as assisted in activities. I can no long work so I am now going to make reborn babies so I appreciate this video so very much because I know know what to discuss with families & caregivers.
I work with people with moderate to severe dementia and (especially the ladies) they LOVE the baby dolls!
If they seem to be getting distressed by the “baby” (though we do refer to the doll as the baby and then let them take over how they please) we take them away. Often by reaching out and saying “I’ll take them now” so they have a chance to relieve themselves.
I’d also be mindful of where the “babies” are kept. I looked after a lady who got VERY distressed when they were left around the home because she thought the mother had lost them!
Also, keeping the “babies” in drawers and in beds is often where people of past generations let their children sleep! We intervened with taking the “babies” to rooms because residents stopped sleeping in their own beds so that the baby had somewhere to rest.
Notice the patterns and adjust accordingly
My mom does not normally like dolls but her personality has changed so much and she needs activities I'm going to give it a try. Once again thanks Natali
Thank you for all your videos. I'm learning so much. This is the first I've heard of doll therapy, and I don't think my dad would care for it. He is happy in his garden. Gardening is his daily therapy.
I've commented prior to this that my 93 yr old father is at a memory care facility and has had a difficult time adjusting. His nurse told me she decided to try the doll therapy with him. He took to the doll right away and was holding it and talking to it and gently stroking its face. She'll see if over the next few weeks if it brings him some comfort.
Depending on his stage they also have other animal therapy, Joy makes a cat and a puppy. The I have seen a seal that is interactive too.
That's wonderful to hear!
I love that he gardens! Everyone is different and rather than trying to force something onto someone, it's always best to follow their lead with their interests. Great job! I hope the garden is doing well this summer!
My great grandmother back in the 70s had dementia and she had a doll she thought was a real baby. I don't know who gave her the doll. She was always so happy cooing at her baby and inviting people to admire her baby. She was also a mother of 8 and loved kids. Her daughter, my grandmother, has dementia now and she has a dozen stuffed animals people keep giving her. She is very attached to them, but one in particular that she will coo at and talk to in a very sweet sing-song voice. She is always so happy to give him a pat. I think it was just a natural inclination that I'm sure we reinforced by cooing with her and sometimes asking how her doggy is doing while she is interacting with it. Seems to work well for her. I have seen all the benefits listed in this video at play with both of them and no bad side effects. I recently saw a mechanical dog with very soft "fur" that appears to breath, wiggled and makes nice noises when pet that is being marketed for dementia patients. I was wondering if that might be good, or too much (maybe she will worry about feeding him or something).
Wow! Thanks for sharing your stories about how dolls and stuffed animals have worked for your family. I think I stuffed dog could work similarly but there is no formal research on this that I know of at the time. Basic guidelines do suggest that if the animal or doll makes noise or has human-like qualities (crying, breathing, etc.), there is more risk of the person with dementia becoming stressed about having to care for the object. However, I believe that this risk exists even for the basic dolls and animals that do not make any noise. It's hard to know for sure how anyone will respond until it's tried.
My mom doesn't hold or cradle her dolls but she has my dads old rocking chair full of them and gets upset if someone disturbs them.
Haven't heard of this, but what do I know since I do not know much about dementia. I have a dear friend who has a husband that has just been placed in a nursing home in Asheville, NC. He is critical. He was placed out of his home due to him swallowing a watch battery. The battery got stuck in his esophagus and he had to have surgery. He is a Vet and served in the Army for 9 years. He was in the Viet Nam war. His gift was also serving as a medic while enlisted
This year he became unsafe living at home due to him swallowing a watch battery, He is the husband of my best friend. It is hard on her and the family, but they are making it. The do not get to see him too often. My friend did not learn how to drive. If anyone does not know about "Facetime" you can use this method to see and I think talk to your loved one. I have not seen the process, but plan to go visit my friend soon and learn how to do this. Thought that I would share this with you if you cannot be with your lived one often. Please pass this along
I have been recently gifted with a doll for my mom (she has late stage Alzheimer’s) I visit with her a few hours every Sunday. She lives with my dad and brother. I don’t think they will monitor her with the doll or try to keep it safe or clean. Would it be better if I just brought the baby doll with me for visits so the doll doesn’t get lost or damaged? Or would only a few hours a weekend be detrimental? I’m not sure the best approach
I just bought a doll for my mom today. I don't know how to present it to her. Right now it is in her room. I am going to see if she discovers it. She is in what believe to be stage 6 but I still don't know if she will be offended or not.
The reason I would like her to take up with the doll is because she is fixated on my cat. She wants it in her room at all times and it needs to get out to eat and go to the bathroom. If it leaves her room she thinks it will freeze to death or get lost "outside" but it is a completely indoor cat. Plus, she thinks there are more cats and other things. I feel for my poor, 12 year old cat!
I just don't know if I should give mom the doll or let her discover it?
kzeor I actually saw a cat for dementia patients on amazon. I was wondering the same thing about how to introduce the doll to my Grandmom. But love your cat story funny and cute
Hello, Yes Doll therapy can work, but and a BIG BUT....not all people your loved one is around understands or even takes instruction, sometimes common sense on doll therapy. For our Mom "Jessica works great for sundowning and mood. Giving her the doll changes her from angry and frustrated to nurturing and quiet. Examples of not how to help with doll therapy. Do NOT call them by the names of REAL babies in their lives. Do not stress them out more by telling them their baby is in another room and crying for them. Do not treat the doll like a toy by throwing it around or carrying it by its leg or arm. Learn to go with the dementia patient on....we have a sitter coming to care for the baby while you go to....eat, exercise, shower etc. Do not throw a doll in their arms just as a daily routine, use it as therapy for your loved one/resident who might be angry or upset, fixated on something you are trying to ease their mind about. Our Mom is now in a memory care community and we are learning that there is NOT ENOUGH education for dementia caregivers at all. This has been a whole new nightmare for us.
Yes! Thank you so much for this valuable and insightful response. We should not be telling people with dementia that the dolls are real or pushing them onto people with dementia. You are so right. I'm sorry to hear the memory care facility has not been working well for your mom. It sounds like you are giving them a much needed education! I hope things get better for you and your mom's care.
I personally think Doll Therapy is wonderful, but much like Pet Therapy it depends on the person. I have found those who are parents, or close aunt/uncles, it works. For those who were not parents or didn't like children when younger, it did not work. It also has not worked for those in early-mid stages. It truly is a case by case basis as stated in the video.
Yes! It can be helpful for some people and others may not be interested at all. As with most things in dementia care, a case by case basis is needed.
As I watch, in a very short window of time, our LO regress to what seems to be a 5 or 6 year old much of the time, I just might give this a try. The thing that concerns me is how her spouse and other immediate relatives will react. Of course I don’t care in the least what they think. IF this type of therapy keeps her occupied and less anxious I’m all for it. An open mind and no denial is what’s important. Now if I can just convince everyone else here in our family of that...
It might be worth a shot. Your concerns are common. Often times, it's others around the person using doll therapy that seem to have the issue the approach. I hope your LO responds well and hopefully family will notice how it helps her and not get hung up on the doll. Best of luck!
I think they should remember that it's about her, not them. She is more important than conventions or appearances. If it helps her, it eventually helps them.
As an OT I have seen this work first hand
god damn man this just is a way to show there is a silver lining to even the grayest of clouds
I notice where my mom is that alot of residents have dolls that they hold or in the room or on the bed. Now I know.
I have a huge collection of baby dolls. My collection of dolls look fairly real. I never thought my husband would ever want to have anything to do with them. He goes to them and talks to them as if they are real and even chooses one to hold. He often brings one to me. He enjoys holding them. I am not sure if he just enjoys them or if at times he thinks they are. He will go for days or weeks without even mentioning them and then he goes to them and talks to them. Is this ok or should I put the dolls away?
Omg! What about adult diapers? I think that is more demeaning and taking away their dignity.... A baby doll is a baby doll... I am 57 years old and I still play with dolls. As a matter of fact I am a reborn artist and I reborn baby's and sell them to adults. If you was to see the look on the face of a Alzheimer patient when you give them the doll, they just light up. Its amazing... It calms them and they open up and start talking about their children. Its a wonderful thing.
Yes, for many a doll, or even a stuffed animal can bring so much joy!
Yes, one does not need to believe the doll is real to reap benefits from just having a lovely doll to care for.
When giving dolls to elderly ladies with dementia or anyone else, we make sure they are age-appropriate. We only give out collectibles. One brand we give to dementia patients is high quality and made entirely of silicone vinyl, safe enough for a toddler or an infant. We are all about dignity. I have baby dolls all over the house and I don't feel demeaned at all--and yes. I sit and cuddle them, especially if I'm in pain.
I’m about to try doll therapy at my work place
Yes I am very interested in this for mom . Where can I get one
Mary Jane Roell can you take her to a toy store and let her pick one, or you can get one from any toy store and give it to her.
Hi Mary! There is no special doll that is needed. You can go to any store or order a doll online. Try to stay away for the dolls that cry or wet themselves, something basis tends to be best. Let me know how it goes with your mom!
Activity directors in care centers tend to like dolls that are all vinyl as some dolls need periodic cleaning. There is an online store called CRs Crafts. Currently, they are selling anatomically correct and you can select the gender. They are from the "Diana collection." They are very sturdy and some in two sizes, 21 and 16 inch. A lot of ladies find the smaller ones easier to handle. They are also baby-powder scented and the larger is $50. It might seem a bit spendy, but they are sculpted by a pediatrician so the detail is amazing. You can find similar dolls on Amazon. They will cost a little more, but they are cilicone, verey soft and plenty of detail. The larger ones will fit newborn baby clothes. They will arrive in a matter of days. I like the high quality because they're more age-appropriate, the same dolls I display in a glass cabinet at home. You may also find some real bargains on Ebay. It's a good idea that you know your brands and typical prices or you can be ripped off.
My mom is in a health care facility, I believe I’ll try it one day, but right now I feel like she will tell me to let the kids play with it 🤷🏻♀️
It is something I will consider.
Oh please, just try it. Whether it works or not is up to the recipient. You might be very pleasantly surprised.
Kindness is never demeaning. If it comforts your loved one or helps them feel a sense of purpose, it’s a good thing! Use a weighted doll, if possible.
There was no guide for me to download.
Does this help with males as well?
I’ve seen men with stuffed dogs and cats that they enjoy.
My mom has some stuff animal's that she has on her bed. When I get her ready for bed I give her Micky mouse and she holds his hand and goes to sleep. I'm gonna try the doll therapy with her . Thank you
I have an unrelated question. In the last several weeks my Mom has been hallucinating or having dreams that she believes are real. It seems like she is OK maybe 10 - 20% of the time. We just found out my brother has a rare form of cancer. Should we tell her?
Hi Cindy! I am sorry to hear about your mom and your brother! Your question is a very personal one with no one right answer. What you decide to do must feel right to you. For some people, they choose not to provide this type of news because it just causes distress. For others, they feel that they should let their loved one know. Take comfort in knowing that whatever you decide to do, you and your family will be able to work through it.. I will say, that if you choose to tell your mom the news, it's usually not a good idea to remind her if she forgets and then asks about your brother again. That tends to make the person with dementia grieve all over as if it's the first time they've heard the news. I'm sending you all the best. Let me know what you decide to do.
Thank you for responding. My brother decided he wanted my Mom to know, and we did not want her to hear it from someone else. However, my brother lives 8 hours away and my Mom does poorly with the phone, so I told her. She was having a better day, and she understood what I told her and her responses were appropriate and she understands how serious it is. She talked to her caregiver this afternoon about it (I have told her caregivers because I didn't want them to think it is a dream or hallucination if she talks about it). Sometimes she seems to do better with the really big stuff and not as well with the smaller things. I have a feeling she will retain this. It will get announced at her church tomorrow because they all know my brother. I will be with her and if it seems too overwhelming we will leave. Thank you so much for the work you do. It has been very helpful. I have printed out your survival guide and included it in a book that the caregivers use to work with my Mom. Your response means a lot to me. Thank you.
Love the concept but this won't work for my husbsnd.
Some people use a puppy or cat doll.
It's not for everyone, that's for sure. What was interesting in the studies I read, was that males also responded well to this approach, although most were females.
I have seen men take to babies as well as women. Caregivers tend to overlook males who were great fathers and miss the interaction as well as women do.
did not work for my mother, 😥
Sean Kent maybe try a stuffed animal. Did she ever have a pet? Cat or dog. Maybe get something like that?
Thanks for being so helpful to others!
Sorry to hear! You can try again with another object like an animal. Wishing you all the best.
Careblazers: dementia care heroes thanks for the advice but she throw stuffed animals across the room, and she's just a little too jumpy for a little dog to sit next to her. Course it's not her fault
Elizabeth Limbocker thanks for the advice but she throws stuffed animals across the room. And she's just a little too jumpy for our little dog.
I have a reborn baby doll that help me and to feel like have baby
I think doll therapy is a good idea.
I have disability
You're missing another WHOLE biographical group.....PTSD, ANXIETY & DEPRESSION. Educate others on OXYTOCIN