- Introduction
- Diagnosis
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Caregiving
- Coping with Emotional Changes
- Coping with Memory Loss
- Costs and Insurance
- Creating a Daily Routine
- Exercise
- Health and Wellbeing of the Caregiver
- Home Safety Adjustments
- Mental Exercises
- Respite Care
- Talking to Children about Alzheimer's
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- Telling Someone They Have Alzheimer's
- Transition to Assisted Living
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- Related Conditions
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Q: Does anyone know anything about the somebody to love dolls and where I can buy one? I hear they are really good therapy tools for alzheimer's patients.
Hi, Steph,
I do not know about those specific dolls, but do know that dolls in general seem to be comforting to some people who have Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Store seems to have them. I'd also suggest checking a toy store to see if they have realistic dolls that might be cheaper, but still work for your purposes.
Take care and keep us posted!
Dorian
Hello. I never heard of these dolls but am glad you asked. I did a google search and came up with a website called Zest Dementia Care and this item. (if the link does not come through, try looking up "Zest Dementia Care" on your computer.)
http://www.zestdementiacare.com.au/shop/baby-casey-someone-to-love-baby-doll--109
I think we'll eventually be trying stuffed animals with my mother, who has Alzheimer's. She loves our dogs, and cuddling a stuffed animal will likely bring her relief and comfort.
Good luck.
I also searched the internet and this doll is what I found:
http://www.alzstore.com/Someone_To_Love_Baby_Doll_p/0344.htm
It is pricy.
In general, you can just buy any doll that looks like a baby (in a box in the store.)
The patient wants to hold a baby usually. The doll I found looks like a toddler.
In the nursing home, I saw that some ladies were holding the babies. So you can buy some cheap dolls that look like babies in the regular toy shops. The patient would not know the difference.
Regards,
NC
Hi Steph,
Much depends on the person, but I've seen many women who have Alzheimer's disease with dolls and most of those are just ordinary dolls. I also see many stuffed animals, as CJ mentioned. I would experiment a bit. What the person needs is something to love and care for and the feeling of being loved. Tactile stimulation is important, too, so softness is often desired.
Since people with dementia go back in time cognitively, the doll could symbolize her child or a baby doll from childhood. While purchasing a specialized doll may be fine, there's no guarantee that your loved one will accept it more than any other doll or stuffed animal.
Good luck with your search,
Carol
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