Doll Therapy Program
Angie's Purpose Mission Statement
Angie's Purpose will make a difference in the lives of those living with dementia and their family or caregiver by providing a sense of purpose, comfort, companionship, reduce negative behaviors and symptoms and reduce falls for these patients.
Angie’s Purpose is an innovative and alternative treatment approach providing comfort, safety, and a sense of purpose.
“Each of us can inspire, innovate, and influence. It doesn’t matter what position you hold.”
Author Unknown
Taking Care of Patients with Dementia
Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)
The Responsible Party
Solutions & Methods
Medical-Surgical Unit 3-month pilot study
Evidence reveals doll therapy helps to reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), however no studies had been done to determine if doll therapy can prevent falls in the hospital setting. Doll therapy has been shown to decrease the use of sitters, restraints, and antipsychotic medications in the dementia patient population.
While doll therapy is used in long-term care facilities, there is very little research or evidence that doll therapy is utilized in the hospital setting. As a result, in 2018 when Angie was a manager of an adult medical-surgical unit, she conducted a research study to determine: In hospitalized dementia patients, does using doll therapy vs. no doll therapy reduce the BPSD during their hospital stay and decrease falls in this patient population?
Patients with dementia would be provided a doll during their hospital stay. Data was collected by nursing staff on the patient’s fall risk and behaviors before and after the doll was provided.
Year-Long Multi-Site Study Results
Reduction in negative behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), decrease in fall rates, and increase in nurse satisfaction.
- Data analysis from all 6 hospitals, revealed there was a noticeable decrease in fall rates after the implementation of the doll therapy.
- Symptoms noted on documentation logs that decreased with the doll therapy intervention: restlessness, moaning, impulsiveness, getting out of bed without help, wandering, yelling, fidgeting, crying, undressing, agitation, anxiety, wanting to leave, refusing care, throwing items, hitting staff, kicking, and pulling at lines, IVs, and/or telemetry leads.
Documented Details
177 patients were given dolls during this study.
26 patients had missing documentation stating whether doll helped or didn’t help - these were excluded.
83% of female patients given dolls (132 subjects) showed a reduction in negative BPSD after dolls given.
74% of male patients given dolls (19 subjects) showed a reduction in negative BPSD after dolls given.
The Nursing Perspective
85% of nurses report that doll therapy is not time consuming to work into their daily practice and recommend implementing doll therapy at hospitals.
- “I handed out a baby today to a patient that was screaming all night and it was like we flipped a switch! It was AMAZING! I have chills! I am so excited!”
- “The therapy helps greatly with the majority of patients. I’m always amazed with the men loving on their babies.”
- “I’ve been grateful for doll therapy. I have seen many patients holding and cuddling babies on and off.”
How Doll Therapy Helps Nurses & Patients
A Calming Distraction
Decreased Aggression
Clear Mindedness
Following Direction
Doll Therapy Program Options & Pricing
Doll Therapy
Individual Package
For individuals living at a nursing home or with family.
- Family Handouts - explains how best to introduce Doll Therapy to recipient.
- Girl or Boy option
- Option of African American or Caucasian Doll
- Seeds of Happiness Family Member Mental Health Tool
- Includes Shipping
Doll Therapy
Budget Program
Price dependent on size of organization.
- For Hospitals or Long Term Care facilities
- Ongoing Staff Training
- Family Handouts
On-site Training or In-serviceSupply of DollsSeeds of Happiness Family Member Mental Health ToolOngoing Support
Doll Therapy Signature Program
Price dependent on size of organization.
- For Hospitals or Long Term Care facilities
- Ongoing Staff Training
- Family Handouts
On-site Training or In-service- Supply of Dolls
- Seeds of Happiness Family Member Mental Health Tool
Ongoing Support
Doll Therapy
Premier Program
Price dependent on size of organization.
- For Hospitals or Long Term Care facilities
- Ongoing Staff Training
- Family Handouts
- On-site Training or In-service
- Supply of Dolls
- Seeds of Happiness Family Member Mental Health Tool
- Ongoing Support
Nominate A Loved One Or Sponsor An Individual In Need
Seeds of Happiness Partnership
Caring for a loved one with dementia is stressful and overwhelming. Dementia caregivers report higher levels of stress, depression , and anxiety. Angie’s Purpose has partnered with Seeds of Happiness to provide a mental health tool for the loved one/caregiver of the patient. Every doll provided to a patient will include one Seeds of Happiness for the caregiver or family member. It will also include contact information for Angie’s Purpose with additional resources.