Doll Therapy

Another kind of non-pharmacological therapy that is used with elderly affected by dementia is the doll’s therapy. Alzheimer’s doll therapy is a known resource in working with persons with dementia. Using a baby doll can be a very effective way for a person who has Alzheimer’s or any kind of dementia to decrease stress and agitation. A caregiver can use doll therapy for people with dementia as a way to put responsibility, caring and structure back into the lives of people with dementia. Working with a realistic doll has to be introduced to people with dementia very carefully. A doll can be seen as a welcoming grandchild or the little sibling of their youth or the Alzheimer’s patient can fear the therapy doll as an unwanted responsibility.

From experience, introducing doll therapy in a controlled atmosphere by allowing the dementia patient to take responsibility rather than giving them the doll to play with can bring structure to their lives. The Alzheimer’s doll can help a person who is not verbalizing to initiate speech again. It is part of the basic thought process to speak, hum or sing to a baby in your arms. The therapy doll can have its clothes washed, folded and put away and then dressed the next day.

What is the effect of a doll:

• Calm someone who is upset;
• Provide endless hours of hugs and smiles;
• Lull a person to sleep;
• Create a distraction from a dangerous, harmful or upsetting event;
• Serve as an attention-getter;
• Provide a tool for social interaction;
• Regenerate warm, nurturing feelings of once again caring for a young child;

Make it possible for someone, totally dependent upon others, to care for ‘someone’ else.”

Tips on giving a doll to the person you care for:

• Introduce the doll gradually. You could place it on a chair before the person enters the room. Watch to see how – and if – they respond.
• Let the person discover the doll in their own time. If they show no interest in it, do not worry too much about drawing their attention to it. You can always try another day.
• If the person with dementia is interested in the doll, use it as a way to connect with them. If they aren’t able to answer questions about the doll, consider making observations about it to them instead, for example: ‘what a nice face’, ‘what a lovely dress’ etc.

Things to be aware of:

• Not everyone will want to interact with a doll. If the person shows no interest, do not press the doll upon them.
• Some people dislike seeing the person they care for with a doll or toy. They may think it seems like they are treating them like a child. Discuss your plans with any other members of your family first to discover their views. Explaining the benefits and the evidence may help soothe any concerns.
• Some people with dementia may become very attached to a doll. Grandchildren or other residents in a care home may pick up the doll which could prove upsetting. Consider using the doll at times when this is unlikely to happen.
• The person may start neglecting their own needs to prioritize the doll, for instance, putting it in their bed while they sleep in a chair, or trying to give it their food. Watch for these signs of attachment and consider using the doll away from meal times and early in the day rather than close to bedtime.
• Some people might prefer a cuddly toy or animal so you can try making these available too and allow the person to choose.