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Dementia Doll Therapy at the Day Care Centre
20th Oct 2022
What is doll therapy?
Doll therapy is a recognised intervention for people living with dementia to help address cases of depression, agitation, and lack of fulfilment.
‘Caring’ for a doll or soft toy can also give people with dementia a renewed sense of purpose and help them connect with the outside world. This can have a knock-on effect on their energy, activity levels and mood.
Dolls are introduced to clients where it is felt that they may provide a source of comfort or meet an individual’s need to care for someone else.
Doll therapy is led by the person with dementia; so, you would offer them a doll first to see what happens next. Some people perceive it to be a soft toy they can cuddle and hold; others perceive it to be a baby they’re looking after.
What are the benefits?
Several dementia studies have proved the benefits of using doll therapy for people living with dementia.
Evidence shows that the use of dolls or soft toy animals can be beneficial for those who may not be engaging with others, or who are restless, distressed or anxious, improving their well-being and ability to communicate.
Bridgewater Day Care Centre’s Manager Lisa Lehan said: “Looking after a baby doll has had a significant calming effect when clients are feeling unsettled or restless. It gives them a sense of worth and purpose .”
The sensation of holding a doll or toy animal can be soothing. It might remind them of a time when they had young children or a pet of their own.
Not everyone will want to interact with a doll or soft animal. If the person shows no interest, we do not press the doll or soft animal upon them. We discuss the suitability with other members of the client’s family to discover their views and also explain the possible benefits of doll therapy at the Day Care centre for their loved one.
You can find out more about doll therapy on the Dementia UK website here: Use of dolls (dementiauk.org)
We welcome people living with dementia at our Day Care Centre in Golborne. Bridgewater’s experienced team use a variety of techniques to encourage and stimulate clients who visit us and we have a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Doll therapy is just one of the therapies our Day Care Centre uses to help clients living with dementia.
Our care and Support staff receive specific training in how to provide care to those living with different types of dementia when they visit us at our centre. We understand the challenges of caring for someone with dementia and know how to support individuals and their families in managing and maintaining relationships and getting the most possible out of day-to-day life.
This means our staff will:
- Support our clients to make decisions themselves.
- Ensure our clients are kept safe.
- Alleviate pressure for caring relatives and provide respite during the day.
- Provide a nutritious lunch, and support hydration when they visit us.
- Assist with personal care and medication.
- Build positive relationships with the client and their families.
- Engage the client in activities that they enjoy.
- Use reminiscence techniques where appropriate.
- Encouragement to engage in social events at the Day Care Centre.
We’d love to talk about the ways we can help. Why not get in touch with us to discuss the support we can offer you or to book a free 2-hour taster session?
Please contact our friendly Care & Support team :
Tel:01942 723 115
Email:info@
