Knitting and Connecting for Kindness at Coffs Haven

Coffs Haven Residential Care Service boasts several very talented knitters who are teaming up to create some original clothing designs for dolls that are used in therapy for dementia residents. 

According to Dementia Support Australia, using dolls, or what can sometimes be referred to as ‘child representation’, can provide people with dementia an opportunity to interact with a ‘lifelike’ baby doll in a manner that may be therapeutic to them. 

The use of dolls or soft toys can also be helpful for people with dementia who may find it difficult to engage with others and can provide comfort and reduce symptoms of dementia including restlessness, distress and anxiety. 

At Coffs Haven, quite a few residents engage in doll therapy every day. Our knitters and our residents with these dolls, have formed a very special alliance called “Knit & Connect for Kindness”.   

This partnership benefits our knitters by providing them with a platform to continue developing a past skill or hobby, as well as encouraging them to contribute to the community and build connections.  

The initiative will also promote a sense of belonging and stimulate positive cognitive outcomes by increasing some responsibility and purpose. Likewise, for our dementia residents who often have these dolls with them every day, this initiative provides them with more opportunity to connect with other residents and to experience fun sensory activities like dressing the dolls in their new outfits.  

Shirani Scotford, Meaningful Engagement Lead at Coffs Haven said, “This initiative will continue as we build the alliance for more residents. We will be implementing a Knitting Club as well, where we can meet together and discuss ideas for designs.”  

And of course, our values of Kindness and Connection are on full display.