Doll Therapy: What You Need to Know

Doll therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention gaining recognition for its positive impact on individuals living with dementia. Non-pharmacological interventions are non-medical approaches used to manage symptoms and improve well-being, focusing on methods such as activities, therapy, and environmental adjustments rather than medications.

By offering comfort and reducing anxiety, therapeutic dolls provide a unique way to enhance the quality of life for those in the mid to late stages of dementia. This guide explores the benefits, best practices, and tips for effectively implementing doll therapy.

The Benefits of Doll Therapy

Non-pharmacological interventions to assist those who are aging are increasingly desirable and have been shown to provide a much higher quality of life and care for those who are going through the mid to late stages of dementia (de Sa-Caputo, 2023). One amazing intervention that has been beneficial for those in dementia care is the use of doll therapy. Although it may appear to be demeaning or childish to those looking in, doll therapy is rooted in scientific research, and the benefits of utilizing it in care garner wide-reaching results.

People who are living with dementia often experience intensive attachment with those who care for them (Martin-Garcia, 2022). Unpredictability, new people, and new experiences can easily become overwhelming for them, creating unmet needs and sparking reactive situations. These situations can appear as restlessness, frequent attempts to leave, refusing food and/or care, loud outbursts, and more. Such reactions are a lot of work for the care staff to properly manage while attempting to help several other residents at once.

By introducing doll therapy, studies have proven that the attachment between residents and care staff is essentially replaced by the action of caring for the doll, freeing up the caregiver's ability to care for more people at once.

Best Practices for Implementing Doll Therapy

When it comes to doll therapy, there can be some hesitations that caregivers face when deciding to use it or not. The most common hesitations include the concern that the use of dolls infantilizes the person using the doll or that the dolls can confuse the user about the reality of the doll.

Understanding these concerns, there are some best practices put in place for the most effective use of dolls:

• Dignity in intervention: Dolls can be seen as dignifying rather than undignifying. They can help someone with dementia reminisce, holding on to parts of themselves that are easily forgotten. Dolls also assist in the relationship between caregivers and the person living with dementia, as well as their family members. The person using the doll can find a sense of individuality as a caregiver to the doll, giving them purpose and dignity. While the use of dolls may seem juvenile to some, the mindset should focus on person-centered care and how the person with dementia can find freedom and self in this kind of intervention (Goossensen, 2019).

• Organic engagement: Place the dolls in an area frequented by the potential user and allow them to be picked up naturally. This allows the person to choose to care for the doll without feeling obligated to do so (Heerema, 2023).

• Gender inclusivity: Doll therapy should not be limited to one gender; both men and women can benefit from it. Although women tend to enjoy it more, studies have shown significant benefits for men as well.

• Respect individual perception: Refer to the doll by a name chosen by the person living with dementia and do not insist that it is real or fake. Allow the user to assign validity to the doll's life each day, as perceptions may vary (Dementia UK, 2022).

Choosing the Right Doll for Doll Therapy

Here are key factors to consider:

• Consider vinyl or soft body dolls: Opt for dolls made from vinyl for easy cleaning and durability. Soft-body dolls provide added comfort and a more realistic feel, enhancing the therapy experience.
• Personalize the Experience: If possible, select a doll that resembles a cherished childhood toy or one that aligns with the individual’s personal preferences, there are dolls of many ethnicities available.
• Ensure Safety: The doll should be free of small parts to ensure safety during use

Conclusion

Doll therapy offers significant benefits for individuals living with dementia, enhancing their quality of life through comfort, engagement, and reduced agitation. By following best practices and considering individual preferences, caregivers can incorporate doll therapy into their care routines.