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I help look after a lady with Dementia and Sundowners a couple of days a week from 1pm onwards she tends to get very agitated, we have tried doing activities with her but she does not comprehend to them i.e puzzles, picture colouring she tends to eat the pieces or draw on herself.


I am sure I’ve seen articles saying giving a doll to them to comfort can help but I don’t want it to look or sound demeaning to them.

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I wouldn't think this idea demeaning, necessarily. You're not saying "this lady is like a six year old," you're just exploring what activities might engage her attention in an enjoyable and positive way. Good thinking!

You could try bringing a doll with you, and at first playing with it yourself where your client can see what you're doing. If she shows any interest, encourage her. If not, no harm done. Hope it helps :)
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Mom's NH had a nursery of dolls plus a couple of very nice mechanical cats that could purr, meow and move their heads and several of the ladies liked them very much!
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When my mother had a short stay at a rehab and NH facility connected to her AL facility after surgery I saw a patient with a doll and it seemed to soothe her. I imagine it is not an uncommon practice. It certainly could be worth a try and thoughtful of you to try to find a solution to help her.
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My LO functions at a relatively high level in her MC unit, but a few of her fellow care recipients do occasionally hold or walk with stuffed toys or dolls.
Although the approach didn’t help very much with another dear family member while she was sundowning, the atmosphere on the MC floor is VERY respectful, and not at all demeaning.
I’d try it.
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This is done all the time. It doesn't have to be a doll, it can be a stuffed animal. My daughter had a cat that looked real.

My daughter crocheted a twiddle muff for my Mom and residents at her NH. You can see what I mean by putting tweedle muffs in search. There are also Twiddle blankets. They are more for people who tend to pick. Keeps their hands busy.
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Thank you all you have been very helpful we will give it a go :)
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