Baby Dolls & Dementia

Anyone who's unfamiliar with incorporating baby dolls in dementia care may, at first, think that this is something only for children and how dare a doll be given to someone who has a lifetime of history and life experiences. On the other hand, some people assume that a person living with dementia has reverted back to being a child and end up treating them like a child. Neither of these things are true or affirming. Baby dolls can be a therapeutic comfort when used with dignity and respect.

When I've given baby dolls to people with dementia, I'm always sure to treat the doll like a living baby. Carefully holding the doll in both arms, maybe rocking it a little bit to show the person with dementia that I am caring for it, and asking them to help me hold the doll are ways of inviting the baby doll to be a comfort for the person living with dementia. I'm careful not to treat the doll as a toy and then expecting the PLWD to treat it entirely differently. This helps to create a setting with dignity. While a PLWD is not a child since they still have a lifetime of history and experience as well as preferences, a baby doll can help them to have better sleep, focus less on pain and discomfort, relax more, and feel like they have a sense of purpose as they care for the doll. These benefits can be huge for improving the quality of life of a PLWD.

Here's some things to consider. You don't need an expensive doll, but it is good to try and get a doll that is more lifelike. A PLWD gradually has a decline in their senses as the dementia progresses so having an expensive life like doll is usually more important to the caregiver than it is to the PLWD. These less expensive, but still good quality, dolls can be found at most moderately priced retail stores like Walmart. It's also important to mention that some people argue for including real babies and children in the care of a PLWD instead of dolls. When appropriate, I do agree with this, but it's not always a good time or place to have children involved. Also, some PLWD may express themselves in ways that are not appropriate for being around very young children all of the time. Lastly, men can benefit from baby dolls also. I've introduced baby dolls to men living with dementia and have witnessed beautiful benefits. The man may have really enjoyed caring for his children or grandchildren and is a nurturer at heart.

If you need guidance in caring for your older loved one, living with dementia, call AgeWell Advocacy at 803.486.5322.