Making a difference
Local girl makes impact on those with dementia
I know we’ve all been there. It’s one of those days where everything is going wrong and you feel like the world is working against you. You don’t hear your alarm go off, you’re late for work, and you even manage to hit every red light on the way.
Then, all of a sudden, a small gesture — whether it be the person ahead of you paying for your coffee in the Tim Hortons drivethru or a smile from a stranger across the room — turns your entire day around.
The simplest act of kindness can have the biggest impact and that’s one thing Monique Cashin wanted to teach her 12-year-old daughter, Bridget Claire.
Cashin’s aunt had Alzheimer’s disease and as Bridget Claire got older, her mom wanted to teach her how an act of kindness can make a difference to someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
The perfect time came when Bridget Claire was given a reallife baby doll for Christmas. Her mom knew there was a need for dolls in local long-term care homes, so she spoke with Bridget Claire about passing it on to someone else once she outgrew it.
This past winter, Bridget Claire decided to donate the doll.
“I wanted to donate my baby doll to someone living in longterm care because I knew it could bring happiness to the new owner and make a difference,” said Bridget Claire.
We know that people living with Alzheimer’s disease during the later stages of dementia still respond to a variety of stimuli, so it’s important to help find activities that meet the person where they are in that moment.
Therapy dolls can be a great way to provide stimulation, companionship, comfort and help to reduce aggression and agitation. They may bring back happy memories from early parenthood as well. If you are considering dolls, remember to consult your health-care provider first to ensure it’s a good fit for the person with dementia. Discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of introducing a therapy doll for your person. If you do introduce a doll, don’t forget to stay in touch with your health-care provider to ensure it remains effective as the disease progresses.
After we shared Bridget Claire’s story on the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia’s Facebook page, people from all across Canada (and even in Oklahoma in the United States) contacted us to learn how they can share their dolls.
Amazing. With this one simple gesture, Bridget Claire was able to not only bring joy to the person who received the doll, but also inspire hundreds of people across Canada to follow in her footsteps.
If you are interested in donating a baby doll and would like to support Bridget Claire’s baby doll drive join the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s presented by Shannex in Sydney on Sunday or email Monique Cashin for more information: moniquecashin@gmail.com.