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This post was written by Elicia Slater, MSN, RN, CENP, director of nursing services, Parkview Regional Medical Center.
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that results in loss of cognitive functioning. It can look like a person becoming more forgetful and affect their thinking and behavior enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia symptoms can arise from various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common. Age is also the most common risk factor for dementia with most people living with the disease are over the age of 65. Lifestyle, medical conditions such as high blood pressure and genetics are also risk factors.
Dementia in the hospital
Hospitalization for a patient living with dementia can be very distressing. Taking the patient out of their normal environment into the hospital setting can be disorienting, leading to increased confusion and agitation. Strategies to mitigate these issues include providing a calm environment with minimal noise, bringing familiar items and having family present.
Nurse managers and clinical nurses on the medical units at Parkview Regional Medical Center sought to help patients with dementia while in the hospital. The team discovered research that emphasized utilizing baby dolls as a way to calm patients with dementia who are distressed and agitated. The doll serves to evoke positive memories and help redirect the patient to a calmer state of mind.
Reflections from the floor
While not every patient responds well to a doll, it works extremely well for some. Nurse leader Helen Godsey, BSN, RN, reported that one night, nurses Stephen Templo, BSN, RN and Sarah Whyte, BSN, RN, provided a doll to a patient who was very agitated. By providing the patient with a doll, the team was able to avoid utilizing medications or other means. After the patient received the doll, she calmed down and slept for most of the night.
Patient care technician Kate Bell shared this with her manager Christina Minser, RN, MHA, BSN, CNML:
“I just wanted to let you know what a blessing and useful tool I think the baby dolls are. I have taken care of a patient the last three days I have worked, and I see the difference. Each time I went in there, and she was confused or agitated, I repositioned her in the bed and talked softly about how the baby needed her to cuddle, and she calmed down. Every time I did that, she would close her eyes and think it was naptime and settle down. Her son was in the room getting ready to leave, one of the times while I was getting her settled. You could visibly see the relief and love in his eyes when his mom went from agitated to settling down. I think it gave him a sense of peace to be able to leave.”
Final thoughts
In summary, dementia affects memory, thinking and behavior in ways that can make an unfamiliar hospital environment especially confusing and distressing. Creating a calm setting, using familiar supports and involving family members can help reduce agitation. The experience at Parkview Regional Medical Center shows that doll therapy can be an additional, person-centered tool to redirect and comfort some patients. While it may not be effective or appropriate for every individual, offering dolls as a nonpharmacologic option can promote rest, preserve dignity and support both patients and their loved ones during hospitalization. Continuing to use and evaluate strategies like this allows nurses to provide safer, more compassionate care for patients living with dementia.
To learn more about nursing research activities and how they positively impact patients at Parkview, click here.
Dementia Dolls and other distraction kits to aid patients in coping with an altered mental state are made possible by donations to the Parkview Foundation. You can learn more about the Foundation or donate here.
