Sue is a “realistic baby doll” recommended for elderly patients with memory disorders. I brought Diane Sue last week, and it was apparently just what she needed to find love and purpose and structure. Yesterday, I went to the Mansion with a bassinet for Sue (I brought some baby clothes yesterday). Diane is wary of taking Sue out of her room, she is afraid she’ll be cold, or perhaps misplaced or stolen.
I saw Diane sitting out by the windows, she said she thought Sue needed to rest, so I brought the bassinet into her room, with her permission, and lay Sue inside. She has blankets and comforters to wear, and diapers to change. The Mansion staff is thrilled with the effect Sue is having on Diane, we are meeting to see if any of the other residents could benefit from a similar doll.
This experiment was highly successful. I brought two activity aprons and they were a bust, none of the residents wanted to use them. We are trying a number of different things in the coming weeks, stay tuned. Diane was very happy to see the bassinet.
Your writings about Diane and Sue fondly remind me of Harlene, an elderly lady with dementia I used to regularly visit at a nursing home facility. She always had her twin babies Walter and Ophelia (named after her parents) with her. Walter was always dressed in blue, Ophelia in pink, and they were always “such good babies.” After watching the movie “Lars and the Real Girl,” I was inspired to loosened up a bit and pay more attention to Harlene’s babies—-holding them, making conversation about their clothes and behavior, etc. I learned a lot about being a better person from Harlene. I continue to be inspired and learn from you and the people you write about. Thank you for sharing your life and mission work!