I have always been an advocate of Doll Therapy however have also experienced the down side which was usually caused by individual staff who did not understand the therapeutic benefit and sabotaged the experience for the resident. Totally agree you need to very carefully pick your residents and monitor closely to gauge reactions. I have been told off soundly when saying how beautiful 'she' is when it is a 'boy'. Also love the term 'Nuture Therapy' which removes the stigma of childlike. I have also witnessed this therapy work extraordinarily well with certain men with behavioural issues, (more around looking after/nursing than caring tasks)
I have recently started my new position of Lifestyle Coordinator working with elders. I decided to join Golden Carers membership for activity ideas and chat forums. It has been the most wonderful experience and helped me immensely with the endless ideas and activities, I especially like the monthly Calander templates. It is an invaluable resource!
Doll Therapy and Dementia