If you see an elderly loved one cuddling and singing to a child’s doll, it can feel strange and disturbing, but it may be doing their mental health and wellbeing a world of good. This is the finding of a growing number of care homes across the UK, which use doll therapy to improve the wellness of people with dementia.
One such care home chain is Four Seasons Healthcare, which frequently uses doll therapy in its homes. Residents have become so attached to the dolls there have been tussles over them, and the care workers have even had to introduce baby high chairs into the dining halls so residents could feed their dolls while eating their meals. However, as it can be extremely upsetting for families to see their relatives in this infantilised state, doll therapy is still a controversial intervention. According to Caroline Baker, head of quality and dementia care at Four Seasons Healthcare, ‘On a few occasions we have had relatives question it and we always make sure we fully explain what doll therapy is to the relatives.’
Researchers at Newcastle University, conducted a study on the use of dolls to alter behaviour in patients with dementia, and found that, despite initial opposition from care staff, there were clear benefits. Care workers reported a calming effect in residents, as well as reduction in wandering, increased communication and improved speech. Mishel Ingle, manager of Granby Rose Care Home in Harrogate, commented ‘some families have felt embarrassed by the fact that their relative used dolls or teddies at home and have also been comforted by the fact that we promote it and that it is OK for their relative to want to do this. We have helped them to realise why it is so important.’
Baker noted that some of the staff at Four Seasons staff refused to use the dolls at first as ‘they felt we were treating the residents like children, but we don’t force the dolls on the residents. Some of the staff got quite militant and cross about it but once they saw it for themselves they changed their minds. I tend to put one on my knee and I ask residents if they would like to hold the doll. I also leave the dolls lying around so residents can just pick them up if they feel like it.’ She added, ‘I even had my doubts initially. But once I saw doll therapy in action I was converted. It can be very emotional seeing someone distressed and not being able to comfort them and doll therapy can often really work and stops them being distressed.’
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