The facility prefers other types of therapy, including art and music, she said. And staff members there work with residents to play brain games that promote critical thinking.
“We want to provide a sense of dignity,” Zeverino said.
Studies on doll therapy are limited, but some research has shown it can reduce the need for medications, diminish anxiety and improve communication, according to Gary Mitchell, a nurse specialist at Four Seasons Health Care in the United Kingdom who has authored a new book about doll therapy.