Doll Therapy Can Be an Effective Tool in Soothing Elderly Patients

Toys that are typically meant for children can be an effective tool in soothing geriatric patients too.

Toys that are typically meant for children can be an effective tool in soothing geriatric patients.

At Geisinger Medical Center (GMC), nearly 40 percent of the patient population is considered to be geriatric, age 65 or older, and with complex medical conditions, a long list of medications, and functional and cognitive limitations.

Diseases Related to Old Age
Ageing is referred to the accumulation of changes that brings a person closer to death.

GMC nurses affiliated with Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE), a national geriatric initiative to improve the care of older hospitalised adults, began to research the use of alternative treatment methods, namely baby doll therapy.

According to GMC nurses Tami Underhill, R.N., BSN, and Sarah Evans, R.N., this mode of therapy involves the simple act of offering a doll to a patient in need of soothing.

According to Underhill, the approach may seem fluffy to some, but it works wonders with their patients.

Alzheimer’s disease - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Stages, Types, Prevention, Prognosis & Treatment
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting memory and thinking and making the person increasingly dependent on others.

"It is an effective therapy for improving dementia patients' quality of life. It is also one of the easier therapies, if not the easiest, to administer," Underhill said.

Research has found that geriatric patients, particularly patients who suffer from dementia, tend to be more active and more focused when they are carrying or handling baby dolls.

Sneha Deepam - Home Care or Domiciliary Care Service in India
Sneha Deepam, meaning 'a light of love' is a Home care or Domiciliary Care service provider in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Interview gives insight into such services in India. Home care or domiciliary care is supportive care provided to patients in the comfort of their own home.

It also enhances communication, focus, attitude toward other patients and caretakers, while reducing agitation during routine care when they would typically become angry or difficult.

"Not only do we want our patients to be healthy, but we want them to be happy. The dolls are just a simple means to that end," Underhill said.

Sleep Disorders in Elderly-Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment-Conclusion
Sleep is a barometer of good health in the elderly. Sleep problems in the elderly are controlled by various external and internal factors.

The baby doll therapy is just the first of a series of initiatives that will be part of GMC's alternative therapy program.

Other tactics coming soon to GMC are the use of age-appropriate music, puzzles, games and playing cards, all of which will be delivered to in-patients units when the need arises.

Underhill and Evans anticipate seeing patients who are more at ease, with minds occupied by activities they find pleasurable.

"Our overall goal is to improve the care of our elderly patients. We also hope that our nurses will be pleased to have a new array of tools they can use with their patients," Underhill added.

Source-ANI