The growing popularity of stuffed animals for dementia patients is not by chance. Caregivers and care communities are starting to use them because of the positive results they're seeing.
And research is backing up their claims.
Stuffed toys are a great therapeutic tool. But do seniors like them? In which cases are they recommended?
Find out how plushies can help dementia patients feel better and which types are used in their care.
How do dementia patients feel about stuffed animals?
People who have worked in a memory care facility can all agree on one thing: dementia patients love stuffed animals. And family members of seniors with this disease also agree on the same.
It's common to hear about grandchildren who have visited their loved ones with their plushie. And they had to leave it behind in the facility. Because their grandma or grandpa loved it so much and wouldn't let it go.
Now, generalizations are never good.
Not all people with dementia are drawn to plush animals. Those in the mid to late stages of dementia seem to feel a strong attachment to them.
What's the reason? Let's find out the science behind it and the value they have for bringing out positive emotions.
Benefits of stuffed animals for dementia patients
Some may feel that giving a plush companion to their loved one is not a good idea. There's concern that it may be misleading or demeaning.
Yet, research proves the contrary.
Studies prove many benefits in terms of quality of life. Here's what they have to say about it:
Relieve anxiety and stress
Dementia patients tend to face depression and anxiety. As it's stated by their relatives and caregivers. Often, the solution to these problems is to give them drugs.
Still, they can face side effects, and nobody wants to see their loved one always sedated.
So, why not try non-traditional methods?
In a study by LaRose et al., patients with dementia showed higher scores on tests of mood. The patients received a soft robot pet, and they knew it wasn't a real animal.
Throughout the research, patients were much calmer. They slept better. And some of them repeatedly said that the pet made them happy and feel good.
Interacting with these robotic plushies helped decrease their feelings of anxiety and ease their agitation.
Provide emotional support
Research carried out in Japan by Nakajima et al. proved that plushies are a great therapeutic tool. This study was carried out with patients with severe dementia.
The occupational therapist provided an animal-shaped toy to observe what they'd do. Researchers discovered that patients were much happier when interacting with the plushie. They also felt less agitated.
Help with social interaction
Over the last decade, there has been a lot of research on pet therapy for patients with Alzheimer's.
Known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), it consists of using trained animals to provide emotional comfort to patients.
Although it offers several benefits, it has its cons too. This is why researchers have been trying to use stuffed animals instead.
The good news is that a dog plushie provides almost the same effects as a real dog.
To put it in perspective, Alzheimer's tends to impair communication. In a study by Curtright, an Alzheimer patient showed an improvement in communication in the presence of both a real pet and a stuffed one.
But this result doesn't surprise those with a relative who has this disease. According to Reddit users, they use their loved one's plushies to talk to them.
Guess what? They agree that their relative talks more and is more open to interactions when they use the plushie.
What types of stuffed animals are used in dementia care?
Plushies improve the emotional well-being of individuals with dementia.
Not only that, they are even recommended for many other benefits. Like decreased agitation, a source of companionship, and reduced feelings of loneliness.
Then, it's a good idea to look for a plushie for your loved one.
There are different types of stuffed animals that could work. It all depends on personal taste and needs.
Realistic stuffed animals
Plushies with realistic features are great for those who have had pets before. Or for those who love a specific animal.
Take, for example, a senior who's a fan of Border Collies. Perhaps he had one in his childhood or adulthood that he loved so much.
I'm sure that having one as a plushie will light his heart up.
Hugger bracelets
Hugger bracelets are soft and cute animals with long arms. As its name says, you can wrap them around a person's wrists or elsewhere.
You can attach them to the legs of a walker or cane. Even in the arm of a wheelchair. It would be a beloved companion everywhere the person goes.
Custom pets
Similar to realistic stuffed animals, customized plushies are comforting companions. The difference is that a custom plushie looks exactly like a pet the patient used to have.
Like, let's say a dementia patient who had a beloved dog who passed away. Families can look for a company that offers custom-made plush animals.
This way it becomes a loving reminder of their pet.
Robotic pets
Robotic plushies have become a source of study recently among dementia patients. These look like real pets and have lifelike behaviors.
With included sensors and actuators, they can move and make sounds like a real animal. Some of them may blink, respond to touch, move the head, etc.
This provides a more engaging environment of interaction.
Comfort and joy for seniors with dementia
Dementia patients not only seem to enjoy stuffed animals, but they also get many benefits from them.
A plushie can provide emotional comfort, ease anxiety, and improve social interaction. It encourages positive behaviors as well.
There are all kinds of plushies recommended for dementia patients. From small ones up to those with robotic features.
Regardless of the type, a plush companion can be of great aid to seniors with dementia.
