Doll therapy is typically used for people who are in themiddleorlate stagesof dementia.
Here are the arguments for and against doll therapy in dementia.
Additionally, doll therapy is a non-pharmacologic way to address challenging emotions and behaviors that may develop in dementia.
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There are no medication side effects or drug interactions with doll therapy.
Doll therapy has primarily been offered to females with dementia.
They point out that an adult withmemory lossis not a child and shouldn’t be treated as such.
A diagnosis of dementia does not erase the need to be treated with dignity.
They may feel that the facility is not valuing their loved one as a mature adult.
This allows the resident to initiate engagement with the doll if she chooses.
If the person has questions about the doll, avoid lying to the resident if possible.
Instead, use this as an opportunity to ask them about raising their own babies.
A doll can present an excellent opportunity for the use ofvalidation therapyandreminiscence.
These include:
A study involved 51 nursing home residents with dementia.
TheBritish Journal of Nursingalso published a review of the use of dolls for people with dementia.
Why Might Doll Therapy Work?
Doll therapy potentially offers meaning and purpose for someone who is living with dementia.
There is a familiarity with being a caregiver for the doll that can be comforting and purposeful.
2014;21(6):720-30. doi:10.1177/0969733013518447.
National Public Radio.Doll Therapy May Help Calm People With Dementia.
Alzheimers Western Australia.Therapeutic Dolls and Mechanised Pets Guidelines.
