If you’re exploring dementia care options for a loved one, you may come across terms like doll therapy or interactive animal therapy. While these may seem unconventional at first, they can play a powerful role in supporting emotional wellbeing and comfort for people living with dementia, especially in the middle to later stages.
At RCH Care Homes, we proudly use these therapies across our dementia care settings in Cambridge, Bedford, Essex, and Kent to provide warmth, connection, and calm for our residents.
Here’s what these therapies involve, how they help, and answers to the most common questions families ask.
What Is Doll Therapy in Dementia Care?
Doll therapy involves offering lifelike dolls to residents living with dementia to hold, cuddle, or care for. While not appropriate for everyone, it can be incredibly therapeutic for those who respond positively.
Benefits:
- Reduces anxiety, especially during periods of agitation or confusion
- Provides a sense of purpose and comfort
- Encourages nurturing behaviour and connection
- Can bring back memories of parenthood or caregiving
Many residents at Brentwood Care Centre, Orchard House in Wisbech, and Park View Care Centre find comfort in holding or caring for a doll, particularly in quiet moments or before bedtime.
What Is Animal Therapy (or Pet Therapy)?
Animal therapy involves interaction with real or lifelike animals, either through visiting therapy pets, soft animatronic animals, or lifelike cuddly companions.
Benefits:
- Calms the nervous system and lowers blood pressure
- Stimulates positive memories of past pets
- Promotes interaction, movement, and speech
- Offers emotional support during lonely or difficult times
Our homes host visiting therapy dogs, and other animals alongside the interactive robotic cats and dogs, which respond to touch and sound.
Homes like Romford Care Home and Queens Court in Buckhurst Hill use these regularly in one-to-one and group sessions.
Common Questions Families Ask
“Is it infantilising to give an adult a doll or toy?”
Not when used sensitively. Doll therapy is never imposed. Residents are offered a doll if it brings them comfort, just like a photo album or blanket might. It’s about emotional connection, not age regression.
“What if my loved one becomes overly attached?”
Staff are trained to manage attachment with kindness and routine. The therapy is monitored and supported so that it remains a source of calm, not stress.
“Can my loved one keep their therapy animal or doll all the time?”
Yes, if it’s beneficial, many residents are supported to keep their companion nearby, especially if it helps during transitions or bedtime.
How Staff Use These Therapies at RCH Care Homes
Our care teams receive dementia-specific training on how and when to use these therapies. We personalise each approach depending on:
- The resident’s background, personality, and preferences
- Their stage of dementia
- Their emotional and behavioural needs
These therapies are also part of our wider Montessori-inspired approach to dementia care, encouraging calm, familiarity, and meaningful engagement.
Therapy With Heart Across RCH Care Homes
Doll and animal therapy are used across:
- Woodlands Care Centre, Cambridge
- Orchard House, Wisbech
- Manton Heights Care Centre, Bedford
- Romford Care Home, Romford
- Brentwood Care Centre, Brentwood
- Queens Court, Buckhurst Hill
- Park View and Maidstone Care Centre, Kent
Whether it’s a therapy dog visit, a cuddly animatronic cat, or a soft baby doll, these small touches can have a big impact on the emotional wellbeing of residents living with dementia.
Curious about how doll or animal therapy could help your loved one?
Contact your nearest RCH Care Home today to find out more, or book a visit to see these calming therapies in action.
