Dolls helping dementia sufferers
Tanja Bause
Worldwide, research has shown that dolls and soft toys hold therapeutic benefits for dementia sufferers.
Researchers say that the feeling of holding a doll or soft toy can be soothing, since it may remind sufferers of a time when they were young or had children and pets of their own. “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 could have an impact on their energy, activity levels and moods, research shows.
The Frail Care Association in Henties Bay, which opened its doors in 2008, currently houses 49 residents, 24 of whom are dementia sufferers.
According to nursing manager Sister Rina Erasmus, Frail Care started giving dolls to residents with dementia two years ago. “We read the research that recommended it. The reaction to the dolls differs from person to person and depends on the level of the person’s dementia. However, they do recognise their dolls and each has his or her own. We have a grandmother who is 103-years-old and she has two dolls – a ‘son’ and a ‘daughter’ – and both must always be with her. She makes sure of it!”
Another reason why therapy dolls are beneficial, according to research, is that they can bring back happy memories of earlier parenting for both women and men. Many older adults enjoy rocking their dolls and giving hugs. Some even adopt the baby as their own and make its care a part of their daily routine.
Having a “baby” to take care of can also relieve feelings of isolation and sadness. People generally find that their mood lightens and their nerves settle when they interact with babies.
People who have dolls or soft toys that they or their children no longer use can donate them to Frail Care to possibly give a dementia sufferer a new purpose.
Worldwide, research has shown that dolls and soft toys hold therapeutic benefits for dementia sufferers.
Researchers say that the feeling of holding a doll or soft toy can be soothing, since it may remind sufferers of a time when they were young or had children and pets of their own. “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 could have an impact on their energy, activity levels and moods, research shows.
The Frail Care Association in Henties Bay, which opened its doors in 2008, currently houses 49 residents, 24 of whom are dementia sufferers.
According to nursing manager Sister Rina Erasmus, Frail Care started giving dolls to residents with dementia two years ago. “We read the research that recommended it. The reaction to the dolls differs from person to person and depends on the level of the person’s dementia. However, they do recognise their dolls and each has his or her own. We have a grandmother who is 103-years-old and she has two dolls – a ‘son’ and a ‘daughter’ – and both must always be with her. She makes sure of it!”
Another reason why therapy dolls are beneficial, according to research, is that they can bring back happy memories of earlier parenting for both women and men. Many older adults enjoy rocking their dolls and giving hugs. Some even adopt the baby as their own and make its care a part of their daily routine.
Having a “baby” to take care of can also relieve feelings of isolation and sadness. People generally find that their mood lightens and their nerves settle when they interact with babies.
People who have dolls or soft toys that they or their children no longer use can donate them to Frail Care to possibly give a dementia sufferer a new purpose.
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