Local family gives dementia, Alzheimer's residents dolls for comfort

A Facebook video about a woman who gives dementia and Alzheimer’s patients baby dolls inspired a local family to give back in the same way this holiday season! (You can watch the Facebook video below.)

Gillette resident Beth Raab’s family has a tradition of giving back during Christmas, but this year the cause was very near and dear to their hearts.

“My grandma was very well taken care of at Pioneer Manor in the dementia unit,” says Beth. “And one of my fondest memories was of her and other residents playing with baby dolls.”

Beth was originally planning to encourage her family be a secret Santa for a child in the community, but once she saw the viral video about Pearl’s Memory Babies, she changed her mind. This year, the family bought baby dolls, blankets and stuffed animals for the residents on at The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center Cottonwood Court, which is the Memory Support Unit.

Doll therapy is a known resource in working with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. According to The Alzheimer’s Store, “A caregiver can use doll therapy for dementia patients as a way to put responsibility, caring and structure back into the lives of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s.”

Thank you to this special family who understands firsthand how much a stuffed animal or baby doll can help our residents. Thank you to Beth Raab, Tegan Minchow, Kim Hulings, Ashlyn McKillop, Mindy McKillop, and Hayden Minchow!

Learn more about The Legacy at www.legacywyo.org. Pearl’s Memory Babies is a 501 ©3 nonprofit. You can learn more about it at https://pearlsmemorybabies.com/.