TheraBaby® | Life with TheraBaby®

Every morning here in Baguio City, I'd pass by a familiar sight—a sweet elderly lady strolling slowly in the park with her nurse, Shiela. Day by day, it became part of my routine, and something always drew me toward them.

One day, moved by instinct, I decided to donate one of our Therababy dolls to her, hoping it might brighten her days a little. Soon after, though, they disappeared from their usual spot. Days passed, and my heart felt heavy. Was she okay?

And then last week, I finally saw them again—and my heart soared! The elderly lady had the biggest, brightest smile on her face, clutching the Therababy doll tightly. Nurse Shiela excitedly told me how the doll changed everything—the elderly lady had recently battled pneumonia, terrified of needles, but the doll became her comfort and companion, soothing her anxiety and easing her fear.

At St. Vincent de Paul House for the Poor Foundation Inc. in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, the power of compassion and care is evident in the way they support underprivileged elderly individuals. One of the heartwarming initiatives they have introduced is the Therababy dolls, which have proven to be a source of immense comfort and emotional support for their elderly residents.

According to the foundation, these dolls are making a remarkable difference in the lives of the seniors. Many of them have expressed feeling more comfortable and less lonely, as the Therababy dolls provide companionship that eases their isolation. The dolls also help awaken and strengthen their motherly instincts, offering a sense of purpose and warmth that brings them peace.

Not only do the elderly benefit from this therapeutic approach, but caregivers have also noticed a more serene and peaceful environment when residents interact with the dolls. The calming effect of these companions helps create a harmonious atmosphere, making caregiving smoother and more fulfilling.

This simple yet meaningful initiative highlights the importance of emotional well-being for seniors, especially those in care facilities. By providing Therababy dolls, the foundation is giving more than just a toy—they are offering a sense of love, comfort, and connection to those who need it most.

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/media/news/2024/fmd/dementia-training-programme-created-by-queen-mary-researchers-hailed-as-example-of-best-practice-by-new-alzheimers-society-report.html

The NIDUS-Family program, developed by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, stands out as an exemplary model in dementia care. This initiative provides targeted training and support to home care workers, focusing on practical strategies tailored to the unique needs of individuals with dementia. Recognized by the Alzheimer's Society as a best practice example, NIDUS-Family highlights the critical importance of mandatory dementia training for care workers to enhance the quality of care.

Similarly, the success of therapeutic interventions such as doll therapy depends on adequate training and support for caregivers. One innovative approach in this domain is our TheraBaby® Dolls, which leverages doll therapy to offer comfort and engagement to individuals in the mid to late stages of dementia. By providing lifelike dolls to patients, this method taps into nurturing instincts, helping to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and social withdrawal.

Benefits of Doll Therapy

Research underscores the numerous positive impacts of doll therapy for dementia patients:

Emotional Comfort: Interaction with a doll can offer a profound sense of purpose and companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness. Many patients show increased smiling and exhibit a calmer demeanor when engaging with a doll. (Source: Verywell Health)

Behavioral Improvements: Doll therapy has been linked to reduced agitation and wandering behaviors, creating a more tranquil environment for both patients and caregivers. (Source: Dementia UK)

Enhanced Communication: The presence of a doll often stimulates conversation and social interaction, enabling patients to express themselves more freely and meaningfully.

A Holistic Approach to Dementia Care

We are happy to collaborate with St. Vincent de Paul House for the Poor Foundation, Inc., a team of caring individuals who are dedicated to sharing their blessings—whether through their time, skills, or resources—with the less fortunate elders in the Philippines. Their work is focused on providing shelter, care, and compassion to seniors who might otherwise be forgotten.

We hoped each TheraBaby® doll would be a comforting presence and companion in times of loneliness. Each donation is a reminder that our senior citizens suffering from dementia are still valued, remembered, and cherished.

The Foundation stands out not only for its service but also for the incredible kindness and commitment of those involved. Volunteers and donors pour their hearts into their work, ensuring that each resident feels at home. By providing essentials, medical care, and a safe place to call home, they give the gift of dignity to the elderly members of their community. Every day, the Foundation reminds us of the value of human connection and community support.

We hope that this gesture brings joy and comfort to the residents and inspires others to give what they can to the St. Vincent de Paul House for the Poor Foundation. Together, we can bring hope and kindness to those who have given so much to the world and now need our support.

In supporting the Foundation’s mission, we are adding to the circle of compassion, ensuring that every individual feels the love, dignity, and respect they deserve. Every bit helps, and every hand extended is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Purple Angel October Walk 2024: Raising Awareness for Dementia

On October 5, 2024, the Purple Angel Global Dementia Awareness Movement held an inspiring event—the October Walk at SM MOA Seaside. Participants from all walks of life came together to support this crucial cause, proudly donning their purple shirts and walking in solidarity with the global fight against dementia.

The event, organized in collaboration with several supportive organizations including TheraBaby and many others, aimed to raise awareness about dementia and its impact on individuals and their families. The atmosphere was filled with hope and camaraderie as advocates, caregivers, and supporters joined forces to show their commitment to dementia care and research.

With the scenic view of Manila Bay as the backdrop, the walk not only highlighted the importance of dementia awareness but also provided a platform for education and community support. The Purple Angel movement continues to bring attention to the needs of those living with dementia, while also honoring the caregivers and families who support them.

We are thrilled to announce our latest collaboration with Life Care Philippines to extend the reach of TheraBaby® to more dementia patients and caregivers across the country. 🌟

Up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors, according to the Lancet Commission on Dementia.

Aloha from these babies! We are thrilled to share the touching news of our dear friend JoAnn Yee's recent donation of Boy and Girl TheraBaby dolls to a resident at St. Francis Care Home in Oahu, Hawaii. JoAnn, who has been an enthusiastic supporter of the TheraBaby® project, received a few of these dolls from us years ago. Now, she has found a wonderful way to make a difference in the life of a senior with dementia.

This act of kindness mirrors the impactful work being done in the Philippines, where our campaign continues to bring joy and comfort to those in need.

If you would like to support our ongoing efforts in the Philippines or need more information to keep the campaign going, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can continue to change lives, one TheraBaby® doll at a time.

TheraBaby® Dolls was donated to seniors with dementia in the Philippines. With the generous support of Joseph Choi, these dolls will be distributed to local hospitals, senior care facilities, and dementia centers, bringing joy and comfort to patients in underserved communities.

🌈 Celebrating Pride Month: Supporting LGBTQ+ Seniors with On Lok