Supporting those living with dementia requires understanding, compassion and innovative approaches to care. One such approach gaining recognition is doll therapy, a simple yet powerful method that can bring comfort, reduce anxiety and foster a sense of purpose for people living with dementia.
At Country Cousins, we’re committed to providing person-centred dementia care and incorporating tools like baby dolls into our support plans helps enhance the emotional and psychological well-being of those we care for.
In this article, we explore how doll therapy works and why it is becoming a valued tool in dementia care.
How dolls and plush toys are used in dementia care
Doll therapy involves offering a lifelike baby doll or plush toy to individuals with dementia as a comforting object. While it may seem simple, this practice taps into the nurturing instincts many people retain throughout their lives. For those with dementia, interacting with a toy doll can provide a sense of responsibility, reduce anxiety and offer emotional reassurance.
Carers often use dolls to help ease agitation, promote engagement and encourage communication. The lifelike baby dolls can evoke feelings of familiarity and comfort, providing individuals with a calming presence. Importantly, this therapy is tailored to the needs of the person, ensuring that it complements their overall care plan and fosters a meaningful connection.
Tips for using a baby doll in dementia care
Here are some tips on how to incorporate a doll or toy into dementia care:
- Allow individuals to discover the doll or toy naturally. Place it somewhere in their environment, like a chair or a table, and observe how they react. Don’t rush the process; let them interact with it on their own terms. If there’s no interest initially, avoid forcing it, but feel free to try again later.
- Use the doll or soft toy as a way to engage. If an individual shows interest, you can initiate conversation by asking questions about the doll or animal, referring to it as “he,” “she,” or “they.” This can foster connection and communication.
- Offer different options. Present a few baby dolls or soft toys for an individual to choose from, allowing them to select the doll or toy they feel most comfortable with.
- Make observations if communication is challenging. For instance, you can comment on the doll’s features, saying things like, “Doesn’t she have a lovely dress?” or, for a soft animal, “What soft fur!” This can encourage a gentle interaction.
- Expensive purchases are not necessary. While there are lifelike baby dolls and animated toy animals designed for people with dementia, regular dolls or plush toys can be just as comforting and effective.
Factors to consider
Respecting a person’s autonomy is essential when introducing a baby doll or soft toy to someone with dementia. Allow them to decide if they want to engage with it, and avoid pushing them to look at, touch or hold the toy if they show no interest.
It’s also helpful to communicate your intentions with family members, before giving the person a doll or toy animal. Some may worry it could be infantilising, but explaining the therapeutic benefits can help ease their concerns.
Be mindful that the person with dementia might form a strong attachment to their doll or toy and could become distressed if others handle it. To avoid this, you may want to limit the toy’s presence in communal areas, such as care home lounges. If children or grandchildren are around, consider keeping the toy in a more private space like the person’s bedroom or offer the child a similar toy to prevent confusion.
If the person has home carers or resides in a care home, ensure the care staff are aware of the doll or toy’s significance so it isn’t misplaced or used by others.
If the individual believes the doll or toy is real, such as calling a doll their “baby,” avoid correcting them as this could cause unnecessary distress. Additionally, consider purchasing a duplicate doll or toy animal, in case the original is lost or requires cleaning.
How Country Cousins can help
If you or a loved one are navigating the challenges of dementia, Country Cousins is here to help. Our dedicated team specialises in nationwide dementia home care, providing compassionate support that enables individuals to maintain their independence in the comfort of their own homes.
With a focus on continuity, our experienced carers are placed in long-term assignments to create a stable environment, reducing the stress that frequent changes can bring. Alongside companionship and daily assistance with tasks such as meal preparation and light housekeeping, we ensure that each person receives tailored support to enhance their quality of life.
Talk to our team today
If you require live-in care for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706 should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
