Dementia residents at a care home have started caring for realistic dolls in a bid to reduce loneliness - and the pictures are so heartwarming.
The reborn dolls are handmade by care worker Katie McCrystal, 39, who works at Lancaster Grange care home in Newark, East Midlands.
A reborn doll is a handmade art doll and they are made to look as realistic as possible. They are also known as 'lifelike dolls'.
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Residents at the care home are aged between 80 and 98 and the realistic dolls are used to reduce anxiety and to encourage interaction.
Charlotte Widdisson, 43, who is the head of activities at the care home, said: “The dolls have many therapeutic benefits. You can see pure relaxation and pleasure on the resident's faces.
“The dolls are super special as they are made by one of our staff - especially for the residents. The dolls reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing.
“We have one called Savannah who is always in the Moses basket and can be held at any time."
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The care home specialises in caring for those with dementia.
Charlotte adds: “Their reaction to the dolls is priceless.
“They have skin to skin contact and hold the dolls hands or hold them close to their chest. They call them ‘beautiful’ and ‘perfect’. It is so heartwarming to watch. I can see an instant reduction in distress.The dolls have a very soothing effect on everyone.”
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Katie spends four weeks making the dolls for the care home.
Charlotte said: “I think it is even more interesting that the dolls are made by one of our staff members.
“Katie enjoys bringing them in for the people she cares for.The dolls encourage the residents to interact more.
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“We are very thankful for them.They look and feel like a real baby which is great for the residents."
Excuse us, we're off for a little cry. How lovely is this?!
Featured Image Credit: Caters