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The elderly quickly bond with these older dolls. They provide a ‘human’ presence and help elders living alone feel connected during their daily activities. The dolls become surrogate companions for those who have lost a spouse or partner, even a beloved pet. Bedtime is often a time of high anxiety; and, when placed close by, the dolls provide a level of comfort and reassurance.

Family members and friends can use the dolls to prompt conversation with loved ones ~ sharing stories and memories of special times and people.

Caregivers and nurses can utilize the dolls to elicit emotional expression, disclosure of worries and concerns, reports of pain and physical issues.

These unique older dolls can ease the transition from independent to dependent living and from one level of care to another. They provide a continuing presence at change of shifts and at the departure of family and friends.

Administrators often provide the doll sets as ‘Welcome Gifts’ for newcomers. When placed in reception areas and resident gathering spaces, the dolls serve as quick conversation starters, helping all feel comfortable and at home.

The dolls facilitate interactions between residents and staff and among residents, engaging them in conversation and the sharing of personal histories. The dolls promote as many group activities as staff and residents can conceive of. They are designed to facilitate socialization and creative projects as well as to promote cognitive and physical exercises. Plus the dolls have a calming and healing influence.

The dolls are useful props for training staff and volunteers. Examples include teaching effective communication skills; prompting discussions on issues of aging; debriefing staff following difficult interactions with residents or painful losses; and more.

Professors of Gerontology use the dolls to spark discussion by students about age-related issues. The dolls easily evoke personal stories about relationships with older relatives, attitudes toward aging, what constitutes healthy aging, experiences with loss and grief, and the like.

The dolls can be used in role play to teach effective communication skills with the elderly and to illustrate approaches to sensitive issues, such as loss of independence, financial and health concerns, deaths of significant others and more.

Researchers use the dolls to study nostalgia and reminiscence, memory and recall.

Donors are entitled to a full tax deduction when they give doll sets to non-profit agencies and elder-care facilities. This can be a particularly satisfying way to honor someone you love ~ a special relative, a cherished mentor!

Organizations interested in assisting elders can sponsor fund-raising events to purchase doll sets for local facilities or for community seniors who are aging at home. This is way to educate members, attract volunteers, and celebrate aging.

Foundations with platforms on aging can give doll sets to non-profits working with the older demographic. Foundations affiliated with corporations interested in contributing to the common good while reflecting positively on parent companies could consider purchasing all 400 doll sets and donating them to selected non-profits in their geographic area or across the country.