Empathy doll therapy is one of many strategies we use to calm and aid the wellbeing of our residents. Research has shown that many people with dementia and those living with other mental health conditions are soothed and comforted by holding a doll or a soft animal.

Holding a doll in a similar way to animal or pet therapy can generate feelings of calm, comfort, and relaxation, and can be particularly beneficial to someone feeling anxious, reducing agitation.

Holding a doll can be very soothing and often takes people back to a time when they had young children of their own, or were around babies, which invokes feelings of content, calm and happiness.  As well as holding a doll, giving residents the chance to care for a doll can give people a sense of purpose which impacts their energy levels and mood.

As with all of our activities, they are introduced gradually and appropriately for every resident, as part of their personal-care plan and fully supported by our Activities Lead and Healthcare Assistants.

Maplebrook Manager said, “doll therapy is one of many activities we use that supports someone’s overall wellbeing.  Every therapy we introduce is backed up by research and evidence to have a positive impact on the overall wellbeing of our residents. It’s amazing to witness the mood of residents change as they hold our empathy doll, ‘Rosie’ and a feel a sense of calm and happiness.”