Baby dolls donated to Alzheimer’s residents at Bride Brook Rehab

NIANTIC – When Marie LaTourette was looking for ideas to wrap up the Parish Nurse Ministry at Niantic Community Church after 12 years, she really wanted to make a significant contribution in her community. She saw a news segment on television about how studies show that some Alzheimer’s patients were comforted and had relief from anxiety, while holding baby dolls and stuffed animals. LaTourette talked with the other parish nurses, Donna Hathaway and Edie Watrous, and they agreed to reach out to Julie Gilbert, Activity Manager at Bride Brook Rehabilitation in Niantic. With Gilbert excited about the prospect of offering some of their residents a bit of comfort from the dolls, LaTourette ordered seven dolls and baby blankets.

On Thursday, May 10, Hathaway, Watrous and LaTourette, presented the dolls to recreation staff, Julie Gilbert and Marianne Burke, who in turn presented one of the dolls to resident Doris Creamer, who will be 91 next month. She held the doll close in her lap, wrapped in the soft blanket that came with it, a sight that warmed the hearts of those around her, especially the parish nurses. “My hope is that other churches and community organizations might “adopt” the idea of providing dolls to those with Alzheimer’s Disease,” said LaTourette. “Why not offer a bit of comfort where we can.”