There appears to be no doubt that the use of dolls
within care environments for people with dementia
has benefits in some cases. These include a sense of
connectedness and companionship which is achieved
through a dynamic, interpersonal process. Bisiani and
Angus (2012) carried out a single case study and concluded
that doll therapy should be considered in
dementia care due to benefits to the person and to the
care home. Their findings showed reduced levels of
anxiety, panic, agitation, hyperventilating and the
search for attachment. This study notes the importance
of the way the doll is presented, and suggests
that staff should not refer to the doll as a baby or
direct the way the person engages with the doll.