"As Alzheimer's disease progresses, the need to nurture, love and be loved increases." American Assoc Geriatric Psychiatrists
$ 0.01
$ 72.97
Baby Doll Luke for Alzheimer's
Luke is very cute and ready to be held and cared for by your loved one! He is real life size, anatomically correct and his body is very realistic looking. He has a sweet expression on his face. His adorable casual outfit with matching hat and booties is very handsome on him. His clothes can be changed. His quality is long lasting and has great detail. Take Luke home today so your loved one can name him for themselves. Baby doll therapy is an excellent way to keep busy and embrace the need to nurture.
Style: BB-JC903B18
Size: 18" (46 cm); Flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Believable Babies?
$ 43.97
This little gal is all decked out in her adorable outfit with matching hat. Her eyes OPEN AND CLOSE depending on which position she is in. Stella also comes with 10 pieces... an extra outfit, shoes, a bottle, pacifier, a rattle, and feeding accessories! She is soft and flexible with her unisex cloth body, which is nice for cuddling. Her clothes can be removed and she can be redressed as a boy! Her quality is long lasting and has great detail. Stella is a nice size at 16" / 41cm long. Nurturing and fun to play with, this baby doll is ready for your loved one!
Style: BB-JC160041
Size: 16" (39 cm); Flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Believable Babies?
$ 39.97
Style: BB-JC150029
Size: 15" (38 cm); Flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Believable Babies?
$ 39.97
Style: BB-JC150030
Size: 15" (38 cm); Flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Believable Babies?
$ 39.97
Style: BB-JC150036
Size: 15" (38 cm); Flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Believable Babies?
$ 66.99
The Ageless Innovations Silver Tabby Kitten Interactive Companion Pets are designed to bring comfort, companionship, and fun to elder loved ones. The interactive cats and pups are all about an ease-of-care and convenience that pairs with technology for the best possible experience.
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The Companion Pet cats look, feel and sound like real cats. But they're so much more than soft fur, soothing purrs, and pleasant meows. These cats respond to petting, hugging and motion much like the real ones you know and love but don't require any special care or feeding.
This personally rich experience can bring joy and comfort to aging loved ones without any vet bills to worry about.
$ 46.97
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
This large Dachshund is quite special. Her long hair is soft and beautiful and very realistic looking. Your loved one will want to name her and own her today!
Style: MP-417
Size: 23" (57 cm), flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Memorable Pets?
$ 46.97
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
This large Golden Retriever is in a reclining position and is perfect for cuddling in bed. She is quite special. Her golden hair is soft and beautiful and very realistic looking. Your loved one will want to name her and own her today!
Style: MP-420
Size: 19" ( 48 cm), flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Memorable Pets?
$ 44.97
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
This medium sized Pyrenees mountain dog is quite special. Her medium length hair is soft and beautiful and very realistic looking. Her fur color is white, grey and a touch of cream. She is made with unbelievably soft new designer materials that must be hugged to fully appreciate. Her floppy body is crafted to lounge perfectly in you loved ones arms, just like a real puppy! Your loved one will want to cuddle with her and own her today!
Style: MP-416
Size: 19" (57 cm), flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Memorable Pets?
$ 34.97
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
This Yorkshire Terrier is so cute! He is in a standing position for petting. Memorable Pets are an excellent gift for people with memory loss. Your loved one will be so happy with this doggie. Take him home and name him today!
Style: MP-065
Size: 16" (40 cm)
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Memorable Pets?
$ 39.97
Dolls 4 Dementia is our program for giving to a person with Alzheimer's in need. It is for individuals, organizations or corporate sponsors who want to help by giving a Believable Baby(s) to someone unknown to them. Once the donation is ordered, we will match the baby doll(s) to a person in need who is in a long term care facility with memory care / dementia services.
Its simple... Just select Dolls 4 Dementia on the product pages which will add the donation for one 16" La Baby Believable Baby to your cart then proceed to check-out to place your order. If you want to give more than one baby doll just up the quantity. You will recieve an order confirmation which will serve as your receipt.
We will email you the name of the Believable Baby(s), where it went and a description (without full names) of who received the baby(s) and their reaction. You will LOVE giving in this way!
***Please email me at bettina@memorablepets.com if you have any questions!
No shipping, handling or taxes will be charged to your Dolls 4 Dementia donation.
We are in process of acquiring 501c3 status for our Dolls 4 Dementia program.
$ 36.97
Pets 2 People is our program for giving to a person with Alzheimer's in need. It is for individuals, organizations or corporate sponsors who want to help by giving a Memorable Pet(s) to someone unknown to them. Once the donation is ordered, we will match the Memorable Pet(s) to a person in need who is in a long term care facility with memory care / dementia services.
Its simple... Just select Pets 2 People on the product pages which will add the donation for one 16" - 19" full size Memorable Pet to your cart then proceed to check-out to place your order. If you want to give more than one pet just up the quantity. You will receive an order confirmation which will serve as your receipt.
We will email you the type of Memorable Pet(s), where it went and a description (without full names) of who received the pet(s) and their reaction. You will LOVE giving in this way!
***If you want to select your type of Memorable Pet(s) or if you have any questions about this program just email me at bettina@memorablepets.com !
No shipping, handling or taxes will be charged to your Pets 2 People donation.
We are in process of acquiring 501c3 status for our Pets 2 People program.
$ 0.01
$ 48.97 $ 53.97
Sold Out - $ 69.97
Baby Doll Doug for Alzheimer's
Baby Doug is adorable in his cute blue striped knit outfit with matching hat. His little head is bald with a trace of light hair and his eyes are blue. Doug has a sweet expression, is nice to hold, plus he is anatomically correct. His clothes can be changed. He is even comes with his own birth certificate. Take him home today so your loved one can name him for themselves. Doll therapy is an excellent way to keep busy and embrace the need to nurture.
Style: BB-JC8057
Size: 15.5" (39 cm)
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Believable Babies?
$ 48.97 $ 53.97
$ 76.97
Baby Doll Grace for Alzheimer's
Grace is adorable in her pink outfit with matching hat. She has a soft body for extra cuddling and she comes with a pacifier, bottle and rattle! Grace is a doll with blue eyes and a happy expression. Your loved one will be delighted to have her and name her for themselves! Baby doll therapy is an excellent way to keep busy and embrace the need to nurture.
Style: BB-JC8788
Size: 16" (41 cm)
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Believable Babies?
Sold Out - $ 40.97
This adorable breathing sleeping kitty is a nice companion. He is the cutest tuxedo kitten and his fur is very soft. He comes with a collar with tag. His belly moves up and down as he breathes! He also comes with a carrying box, a pet bed, brush, and an adoption certificate. Your loved one will like to nap with him, that's for sure! Made by Perfect Petzzz.
Approximate Size: 12" long x 8" w x 4" h, reclining position
Care: Surface Wash Only
Battery is included: 1 - Size D, Long Life Alkaline
*** See You Tube video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59jyQ_Ha0dc
Sold Out - $ 40.97
This adorable breathing sleeping dog is a perfect companion. She looks like a Golden Retriever or a Yellow Lab and her fur is very soft. She comes with a leather-like collar with tag. Her belly moves up and down as she breathes! She also comes with a carrying box, a pet bed, brush, and an adoption certificate. Your loved one will like to nap with her, that's for sure! Made by Perfect Petzzz.
Approximate Size: 12" long x 8" w x 4" h, reclining position
Care: Surface Wash Only
Battery is included: 1 - Size D, Long Life Alkaline
*** See You Tube video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59jyQ_Ha0dc
Sold Out - $ 40.97
This adorable breathing sleeping kitty is a sweet companion. He is a beautiful color and his fur is very soft. He comes with a collar with tag. His belly moves up and down as he breathes! He also comes with a carrying box, a pet bed, brush, and an adoption certificate. Your loved one will like to nap with him, that's for sure! Made by Perfect Petzzz.
Approximate Size: 12" long x 8" w x 4" h, reclining position
Care: Surface Wash Only
Battery is included: 1 - Size D, Long Life Alkaline
*** See You Tube video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59jyQ_Ha0dc
$ 34.97 $ 38.97
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
Our Calico cat is our shining star! She is the original Memorable Pet. Memorable Pets are excellent gifts for Alzheimer's and dementia. She is so soft and lovable. Her face is so endearing as she looks at you with those big eyes! Your loved one will adore her just like our "Mom" did.
Style: MP-030
Size: 19″, Reclining & Flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Memorable Pets?
$ 32.97 $ 36.97
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
The Golden Retriever is one of America's favorite dogs and ours is no exception. Memorable Pets Golden Retriever is a great gift for memory care. She is smart, loving and just likes to be with her master all day long!
Style: MP-802
Size: 16", (40 cm); Flexible
Care: Machine Wash Gentle
Why buy from Memorable Pets?
$ 36.97
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
This adorable Goldendoodle loves everyone! He is a wonderful dog, doesn't shed, and is an excellent gift for Alzheimer's and memory care. His fluffy goldish caramel colored hair is very soft. Your loved one will like hanging out with him and giving him a great name.
Style: MP-034
Size: 16" (40cm), Floppy
Care: Machine Wash Gentle
Why buy from Memorable Pets?
$ 106.97
The cat is out of the bag! Introducing the NEW Joy For All Tuxedo Cat! Is you loved one ready for this no maintenance, realistic, interactive cat?
His long black and white fur is very soft in it classic "tuxedo" pattern and he has many interactive features! He purrs happily when you pet his head and / or back; he will move his head towards your hand when you pet his cheeks; if you keep petting him he will roll on his back so you can pet his belly! The more you pet him the more relaxed he becomes and he might even close his eyes for a short snooze. If you don't interact with him he will take a nap... to wake him up simply pat his head. Interactive instructions are included. Big and loving is this handsome fellow!
Approximate Size: 22" long x 9" w x 10" h , reclining position
Care: Surface Wash Only
He has an on, off and mute switch. Batteries are included: 4 x 1.5V C Alkaline Batteries. Made by Ageless Innovation.
*** See review video by geriatric and memory care specialist, Rachael Wonderlin:
$ 126.97
Is you loved one ready for this no maintenance, realistic, interactive dog!
Her fur is very soft with her cute red bandanna and she has many interactive features! She moves when you pet the back of her head; she responds to voices with her head turning towards you and a happy "woof"; she will nuzzle your hand when you pet her cheeks; you experience a heartbeat sensation when you gently pet her back. If you don't interact with her she will take a nap... to wake her up simply pat her head. Interactive instructions are included. Adorable and loving is this beautiful gal!
Approximate Size: 15" long x 10" w x 14" h, sitting position
Care: Surface Wash Only
She has an on, off and mute switch. Batteries are included: 4 x 1.5V C Alkaline batteries, Made by Ageless Innovation.
*** See video review by geriatric and memory care specialist, Rachael Wonderlin:
$ 106.97
Is you loved one ready for this no maintenance, realistic, interactive cat!
His long fur is very soft and he has many interactive features! He purrs happily when you pet his head and / or back; he will move his head towards your hand when you pet his cheeks; if you keep petting him he will roll on his back so you can pet his belly! The more you pet him the more relaxed he becomes and he might even close his eyes for a short snooze. If you don't interact with him he will take a nap... to wake him up simply pat his head. Interactive instructions are included. Big and loving is this handsome fellow!
Approximate Size: 22" long x 9" w x 10" h , reclining position
Care: Surface Wash Only
He has an on , off and mute switch. Batteries are included: 4 x 1.5V C Alkaline Batteries. Made by Ageless Innovation.
*** See review video by geriatric and memory care specialist, Rachael Wonderlin:
$ 106.97
Is you loved one ready for this no maintenance, realistic, interactive cat!
Her long fur is very soft and he has many interactive features! She purrs happily when you pet her head and / or back; she will move her head towards your hand when you pet her cheeks; if you keep petting her she will roll on her back so you can pet her belly! The more you pet her the more relaxed she becomes and she might even close her eyes for a short snooze. If you don't interact with her she will take a nap... to wake her up simply pat her head. Interactive instructions are included. Big and loving is this beautiful cat!
Approximate Size: 22" long x 9" w x 10" h , reclining position
Care: Surface Wash Only
She has an on, off and mute switch. Batteries are included : 4 x 1.5V C Alkaline Batteries . Made by Ageless Innovation.
*** See review video by geriatric and memory care specialist, Rachael Wonderlin:
$ 64.97 $ 68.97
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
She is adorable and very soft. She loves to play, nap and cuddle. Your loved one will fall in love with her!
Style: MP-850
Size: 23" (60cm), flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Memorable Pets?
$ 31.97 $ 34.97
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
Our Ragdoll cat is gorgeous with her long flowing hair. Memorable Pets make a wonderful gift for people with Alzheimers and in need of memory care. Your loved one will be so excited to have her as their companion!
MP-284
Size: 19", reclining
Care: Surface Washable
Why buy from Memorable Pets?
$ 32.97 $ 36.97
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
Our Yorkshire Terrier is fantastic, like a Hollywood movie star! She is sophisticated yet very loving and an excellent gift for those with Alzheimer's. She will make a perfect companion to "show off" or just hang out with.
Style: MP-013
Size: 16" (40 cm)
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Memorable Pets?
$ 99.97 $ 119.97
$ 30.97
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
This Maltese or Bichon puppy is adorable! She is white and so soft. She is an excellent gift for Alzheimer's. Your loved on will have fun with this little gal, and after play time she is a great companion for napping.
Style: MP-B9911
Size: 15″, Flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Memorable Pets?
$ 0.01
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
These images are from Memorable Pet's "Pet Shops" around the US. We have been working with Brookdale Assisted Living company and a few of their Memory Care Directors to develop the cutest, most engaging Pet Shops for their residents. They have been an instant hit! You can read the case studies at our footer section under "Case Studies & Research".
$ 184.97
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
Our MP Pet Shops are the coolest! All you need is right here. This one includes 3 large 16" Memorable Pets of your choice, a larger cozy quality bed for napping, 2 water/food bowls for feeding (or candy treats), a hair brush for brushing, a small simulated scratching post, and 3 pet toys. Your residents will be delighted and will want to visit the "Pet Shop" every day as a FUN activity!
Just email with your pet selections ... bettina@memorablepets.com
$ 340.00
Believable Babies' reborn dolls are quite real looking. They are hand made one by one. Each baby takes between 25 to 40 hours to create and incorporates quality materials to bring them to life. Oil-based paints applied in 11 layers, heat set, and cooled between each layer; soft doe suede body; mohair for hair and lashes, which is micro rooted with a fine felting needle; and micro glass beads for weighting the head and bottom for the feel of a real baby. In the final stages of the process, a scented wafer is folded into the fiber fill of the body for that freshly-bathed baby smell. She is unisex and can be made a boy just by changing her clothes. These babies range in length from 18" - 20" and the weight is around 3 - 4 lbs for the Alzheimer's community.
Baby Gracie is a very cute newborn and is ready to be held and cared for by your loved one! She comes dressed along with an extra outfit. Gracie also comes with a new baby brush, birth certificate (upon request) and care instructions. Give your loved one this baby to nurture and care for, and so they can name it for themselves!
Read more about the benefits of baby doll therapy here.
We offer these custom babies by special order. IF you want to change the hair or eye color please email me within 2 days after placing your order... email me at bettina@memorablepets.com
$ 340.00
Believable Babies' reborn dolls are quite real looking. They are hand made one by one. Each baby takes between 25 to 40 hours to create and incorporates quality materials to bring them to life. Oil-based paints applied in 11 layers, heat set, and cooled between each layer; soft doe suede body; mohair for hair and lashes, which is micro rooted with a fine felting needle; and micro glass beads for weighting the head and bottom for the feel of a real baby. In the final stages of the process, a scented wafer is folded into the fiber fill of the body for that freshly-bathed baby smell. She is unisex and can be made a boy just by changing her clothes. These babies range in length from 18" - 20" and the weight is around 3 - 4 lbs for the Alzheimer's community.
Baby girl Honey is a very cute newborn and is ready to be held and cared for by your loved one! She has full legs and 3/4 arms. She comes dressed along with an extra outfit. Honey also comes with a new baby brush, birth certificate (upon request) and care instructions. Give your loved one this baby to nurture and care for, and so they can name it for themselves!
Read more about the benefits of baby doll therapy here.
We offer these custom babies by special order. IF you want to change the hair or eye color please email me within 2 days after placing your order... email me at bettina@memorablepets.com
$ 340.00
Believable Babies' reborn dolls are quite real looking. They are hand made one by one. Each baby takes between 25 to 40 hours to create and incorporates quality materials to bring them to life. Oil-based paints applied in 11 layers, heat set, and cooled between each layer; soft doe suede body; mohair for hair and lashes, which is micro rooted with a fine felting needle; and micro glass beads for weighting the head and bottom for the feel of a real baby. In the final stages of the process, a scented wafer is folded into the fiber fill of the body for that freshly-bathed baby smell. She is unisex and can be made a boy just by changing her clothes. These babies range in length from 18" - 20" and the weight is around 3 - 4 lbs for the Alzheimer's community.
Baby Paisley is a very popular and extremely cute! She is ready to be held and cared for by your loved one. Paisley comes dressed along with an extra outfit. She also comes with a new baby brush, birth certificate (upon request) and care instructions. Give your loved one this baby to nurture and care for, and so they can name it for themselves!
Read more about the benefits of baby doll therapy here.
We offer these custom babies by special order. IF you want to change the hair or eye color please email me within 2 days after placing your order... email me at bettina@memorablepets.com
$ 340.00
Believable Babies' reborn dolls are quite real looking. They are hand made one by one. Each baby takes between 25 to 40 hours to create and incorporates quality materials to bring them to life. Oil-based paints applied in 11 layers, heat set, and cooled between each layer; soft doe suede body; mohair for hair and lashes, which is micro rooted with a fine felting needle; and micro glass beads for weighting the head and bottom for the feel of a real baby. In the final stages of the process, a scented wafer is folded into the fiber fill of the body for that freshly-bathed baby smell. She is unisex and can be made a boy just by changing her clothes. These babies range in length from 18" - 20" and the weight is around 4-5 lbs for the Alzheimer's community.
Baby girl Kyra is an adorable newborn and is ready to be held and cared for by your loved one! She has full legs and 3/4 arms and she comes dressed along with an extra outfit. Kyra also comes with a new baby brush, birth certificate (upon request) and care instructions. Give your loved one this baby to nurture and care for, and so they can name it for themselves!
You can add a magnetic pacifier and / or an pretend bottle. These are listed separately.
Read more about the benefits of baby doll therapy here.
We offer these custom babies by special order. IF you want to change the hair or eye color or add freckles, please email me within 2 days after placing your order... email me at bettina@memorablepets.com
$ 340.00
Believable Babies' reborn dolls are quite real looking. They are hand made one by one. Each baby takes between 25 to 40 hours to create and incorporates quality materials to bring them to life. Oil-based paints applied in 11 layers, heat set, and cooled between each layer; soft doe suede body; mohair for hair and lashes, which is micro rooted with a fine felting needle; and micro glass beads for weighting the head and bottom for the feel of a real baby. In the final stages of the process, a scented wafer is folded into the fiber fill of the body for that freshly-bathed baby smell. He is unisex and can be made a girl just by changing his clothes. These babies range in length from 18" - 20" and the weight is around 3 - 4 lbs for the Alzheimer's community.
Baby boy Liam is an adorable newborn with his eyes closed. He is ready to be held and cared for by your loved one! Liam comes dressed along with an extra outfit. He also come with a new baby brush, birth certificate (upon request) and care instructions. Give your loved one this baby to nurture and care for, and so they can name it for themselves!
Read more about the benefits of baby doll therapy here.
We offer these custom babies by special order and they are non-returnable. IF you want to change the hair or eye color please email me within 2 days after placing your order... email me at bettina@memorablepets.com
$ 340.00
Believable Babies' reborn dolls are quite real looking.They are hand made one by one. Each baby takes between 25 to 40 hours to create and incorporates quality materials to bring them to life. Oil-based paints applied in 11 layers, heat set, and cooled between each layer; soft doe suede body; mohair for hair and lashes, which is micro rooted with a fine felting needle; and micro glass beads for weighting the head and bottom for the feel of a real baby. In the final stages of the process, a scented wafer is folded into the fiber fill of the body for that freshly-bathed baby smell. She is unisex and can be made a boy just by changing her clothes. These babies range in length from 18" - 20" and the weight is around 4-5 lbs for the Alzheimer's community.
Baby girl Jackie is beautiful and is ready to be held and cared for by your loved one! She has light skin but can be made a bit darker, if requested. She also comes with a new baby brush, birth certificate (upon request) and care instructions. Give your loved one this baby to nurture and care for, and so they can name it for themselves!
You can add a magnetic pacifier and / or an pretend bottle. These are listed separately.
Read more about the benefits of baby doll therapy here.
We offer these custom babies by special order. IF you want to change the hair or eye color please email me within 2 days after placing your order... email me at bettina@memorablepets.com
Sold Out - $ 30.97
Stuffed Animal Therapy for Alzheimer's
Our Memorable Pets reclining cuddly Golden Retriever is a great gift for memory care. She is adorable, loving and just likes to be with her master all day long!
Style: MP-640
Size: 13", (35 cm); Reclining & Flexible
Care: Machine Wash Gentle
Why buy from Memorable Pets?
$ 29.97
Baby Doll James for Alzheimer's
Unisex La Baby James is so cute and ready to be rocked and cared for by your loved one. He has an adorable expression and is very soft with a cloth body. His blue eyes smile right at you! His cute blue and white jumper with matching hat just fit his personality (pattern on outfit is subject to change but always cute). Take James home today so your loved one can name her for themselves. Doll therapy is an excellent way to keep busy and embrace the need to nurture.
Style: BB-16JCLB5029
Size: 16" (41 cm); Flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Believable Babies?
Sold Out - $ 44.97 $ 48.97
Baby Doll for Alzheimer's
Baby Joel is so cute and he is ready to be held and cared for by your loved one! He is real life size and his cloth body is very soft. His clothes can be changed. Joel also comes with an attached pacifier. Outfit is subject to change but always cute. Take him home today so your loved one can name him for themselves. Doll therapy is an excellent way to keep busy and embrace the need to nurture.
Style: BB-JC5344B20
Size: 20" (44 cm); Flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Believable Babies?
$ 48.97
Baby Doll for Alzheimer's
Baby Rose is adorable and she is ready to be held and cared for by your loved one! She is real life size and her cloth body is very soft. Her clothes can be changed. Rose also comes with an attached pacifier. Outfit is subject to change but always cute. Take her home today so your loved one can name her for themselves. Doll therapy is an excellent way to keep busy and embrace the need to nurture.
Style: BB-JC340G20
Size: 20" (44 cm); Flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Believable Babies?
$ 29.97
Baby Doll Annie for Alzheimer's
Unisex La Baby Annie is adorable and ready to be rocked and cared for by your loved one. She has a cute expression and is very soft with a cloth body. Her hazel eyes smile right at you! Her cute pink and white jumper with matching hat just fit her style (pattern on outfit is subject to change but always cute). Take Annie home today so your loved one can name her for themselves. Doll therapy is an excellent way to keep busy and embrace the need to nurture.
Style: BB-16JCLB030A
Size: 16" (41 cm); Flexible
Care: Surface Wash
Why buy from Believable Babies?
Baby Doll Therapy & Stuffed Animal Therapy for People with Alzheimer’s
Anyone who has seen it happen, knows that a baby doll has the power to soothe and comfort people with mid-late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, just like a plush stuffed animal cat or dog Memorable Pet does. Investigation of the effects that baby dolls have on people who have Alzheimer’s disease is in its early stages, however, when one talks to caregivers who have participated in baby doll therapy, most of them will speak highly about the experience. Although for some, it can be discomforting to see an adult holding a baby doll, we need to acknowledge the benefits and keep in mind the nurturing, love and happiness a baby doll can provide for our loved ones who are suffering.
Doll Therapy Research
Much of the research involving doll therapy for Alzheimer’s disease has been carried out at Newcastle General Hospital in England and in care facilities in the area of Newcastle. Clinical Psychologist, Ian James and nursing specialist, Lorna Mackenzie, with others, reported significant improvement in the behavior of nursing home residents with dementia when baby dolls were introduced to the residents. Various studies by this group, all observing the effect of baby doll therapy on people with dementia, all reached similar positive conclusions. The most recent, Using Dolls to Alter Behavior in Patients with Dementia, Nursing Times VOL: 103, ISSUE: 5, PAGE NO: 36-37, British journal summed it up like this:
The results of the study provide support for the hypotheses that after the introduction of baby dolls, baby doll users showed an increase in positive behaviour and a decrease in negative behaviour. Also, incidents of aggression lessened compared to before the baby dolls were introduced as therapeutic tools. These results support previous attitudinal studies, which have reported baby doll therapy to be an effective approach in reducing negative and challenging behaviours, and promoting more positive behaviours and mood.
These conclusions are in agreement with all the anecdotal evidence reported by caregivers. They continuously credit baby doll therapy with increasing quality of life for people with dementia. Some have even reported that they were able to reduce medications as a direct result of doll therapy.
Another interesting and significant observation reported in these studies involves caregiver reaction to the introduction of baby dolls to the care environment. All of the caregivers in the facility were given surveys before and after the study. Initially 9 of the 46 staff members voiced some initial concern, mostly centering on perception that the dolls would be ‘babyish’, ‘totally demeaning’, ‘patronizing’, or otherwise ‘inappropriate’. In the interview that followed at the conclusion of the study, only one caregiver retained this concern. All of the others “felt that there were clear benefits of using baby dolls. . . . 14 caregivers felt that residents’ lives were a little better, and 32 felt that their lives were much better.
Benefits reported by the staff included a calming effect, reduction in wandering, increased communication and improved speech. Many of them expressed the opinion that these benefits they witnessed were the result of the individual now having a sense of purpose in nurturing and loving and caring for the baby dolls. One caregiver said of a resident, “He’s a different man with a baby doll in his hand. I found out more about him...the tender side”.
Introducing a Baby Doll or Stuffed Animal Pet
A baby doll or stuffed animal has to be introduced to those with Alzheimer's very carefully. One way is to show the baby doll or stuffed animal to the person and say "what do you think of this?" You will know pretty quickly if the person suffering from Alzheimer's will want to hold the baby / stuffed animal and what he or she thinks of it. A baby doll can be seen as a welcoming grandchild or the little sibling of their youth. The person with Alzheimer's may also fear the baby doll and see it as an unwanted responsibility.
It is best to introduce baby doll therapy and stuffed animal therapy in a controlled atmosphere allowing the dementia patient to take responsibility. This can bring structure to their lives in a positive manner. Our Believable Babies can help a person who is not verbalizing to initiate speech again. It is part of the basic thought process to speak, hum or sing to a baby in your arms.
Whether you give your loved one a Believable Baby or a Memorable Pet, this type of therapy works to enhance the lives of people suffering from dementia. Give it a try!
My mother passed away this July, 2016. She had Alzheimers and was 2 weeks shy of here 95th birthday. I had purchased the Calico Cat and the Golden Retriever for her; my sister got her another cat as well from your website. I have to tell you how important those pets were to Mom. She carried them everywhere in her wheelchair with her; she slept with them; she kissed and hugged and petted them. She called them her "kids." Staff made sure she had them with her and other patients thought she was so "cute" with them. Even on her death bed, she held them and kissed them. So we made sure that Mom would never be without her Calico...
"Even though Alzheimer patients struggle with certain things, I don’t think they lose their love for pets or to have something to care for. I was so glad to find a company that recognized that need and had soft, safe, realistic pets. I got the golden retriever for my dad who had gone to a memory care facility in March. He had always loved animals and a few months ago his little dog had passed away. This dog was very similar in size and color to his dog and I knew he would like holding it at night like he did his dog. He loved to hold it and talk to it. Towards the end, he had a lot of...
An Unexpected Friendship Gertie is her name and his name is Kenneth… Kenneth Faried, the star NBA player for the Denver Nuggets. At first glance, they seem to have nothing in common, but they actually have an AMAZING friendship. Gertie first met Kenneth several years ago at a Special Olympics event with the Denver Nuggets NBA basketball team. Being from Colorado, Gertie has always been a big fan of his. A year later, Gertie was in a Down Syndrome fashion show and her escort was Kenneth! They bonded immediately and never looked back. In 2016 at...
Thank you very much for your donation of 6 pets. We did received them from the Hospital Foundation soon after their arrival. After all the staff enjoyed to look at them we have started to include them in our distribution program. We gave out our first one today and had excellent results. On a funny note, our social worker was carrying one of the long-haired dogs donated and a hospital administrator came up to see why an unauthorized animal was being brought to the hospital by staff. The patient who received it enjoyed it very much as well. Anthony Arslan, DO, CAQGM
This week's blog takes a look at an article from The Alzheimer's Reading Room, entitled 'Communicating with the Deeply Forgetful'. The article seeks to explain and break down how people living with later stages of Alzheimer's view the world around them, and in particular, how their reality is much different from the reality that we are used to. In order to foster a means of helpful communication, the focus of the caregiver should shift to the new reality of a deeply forgetful person—that is—what they think and believe to be true. This is sometimes difficult, as it often involves "playing" pretend" or placating them in ways that you are not used to, especially when the person you are caring for...
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