Mom constantly asks about getting a job. She lives in AL facility. Her short term memory is pretty much gone. I tell her that I'll see what I can do, or that I'll look into finding something for her. She asked me today if I had any friends with small children that she could babysit. She did babysit children years ago. I'm thinking about a special doll that is recommended for Alzheimer's patients. I've seen them on Amazon. Have any of you purchased one of these dolls for your LO? How do I present it to my mom if I do get one for her? Many thanks.
If someone were to say to me “I thought this doll was SO DELIGHTFUL, and it reminded me of when you taught me how to take care of my toys (collected dolls....told Aunt Marion you loved her doll collection.... whatever you think might entice her interest) when I was a child. I couldn’t wait for you to see it. Let me leave ‘her’ with you for a day or two to decorate your room”, I’d be delighted.
Then leave it, and observe if/how she utilizes it. Don’t define the new addition to her room by your terms, but let Mom define it by her terms.
If Mom seems to be relating to the doll, ask her what her name is, or if she stays her room and so on.
May or may not work, but this is dementia. See if Mom will choose to engage!
What a lovely, thoughtful way to present it!! I LOVE this idea.
kept her walking the halls with her walker. I would give her dollar bills for the
concession machines. "Pat, I cashed your paycheck."
FYI, in this small Care home, the other ladies are in wheelchairs and not walking.
Thank you all very much for taking a moment to help me decide how to best handle this doll dilemma. I think what I am going to do is get a doll and tell Mom that I got her a baby to decorate her bed with. Mom recently had to have a smaller bed (I brought her queen bed from home when she moved into AL and now the PT suggests that a twin bed will be better, as it is safer if she falls out and less bulky.) I bought new bedding for Mom's new bed, along with a pretty throw pillow for the center. I'm hoping that a sweetly dressed girl doll will be an added attraction that will become a comfort and a distraction for her.
Again, all your ideas are wonderful! Thank you.
I hope it works!! Good luck
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