Dolls helping dementia sufferers
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, the Frail Care started giving babies 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!”
Erasmus says that one resident named her doll after her daughter and she decided for herself how old her doll is.
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 child 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.
Knitted dolls are not popular among dementia sufferers; they prefer pretty cloth dolls or those that look lifelike. Frail Care cannot provide soft toys to patients because they do not have any of these at their disposal.
“It is very satisfying for the staff to see that dementia patients find pleasure and comfort in their doll, so staff always ensure that the doll remains with its owner.”
Musical relief
Research also shows that music has a calming effect on patients. “Especially the type of music that the person liked before. The family has to provide a radio and CDs with the resident's favourite music on, and then we play it for them.”
Frail Care has a board of directors consisting of nine volunteer members that include the chairman and vice-chairman, treasurer and secretary. There are 59 staff members which include caregivers, administrative staff, kitchen staff, cleaners and two nurses.
“We also have a self-catering department with three double rooms for couples and eight single rooms where staff provide support 24 hours a day.”
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.