BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (WTVF) — So many of us know how hard it is to watch a loved one live with memory loss.
That's why an assisted living community here in Middle Tennessee is truly finding ways to bring smiles however they can.
Harmony at Brentwood recently was able to team up and provide realistic baby dolls or animals to those living in their memory care unit. As this initiative grew, so did the number of dolls they were able to give out.
When you're a parent, of course you never lose that parental instinct. As you get older, you want to continue feeling like you have a purpose and you're able to care for something -- like a child.
The folks at Harmony at Brentwood say that's what these dolls do -- they truly bring so much joy, and you're able to see that joy in the player above.
In fact, there have been studies, even from the Cleveland Clinic, finding baby doll therapy can help reduce agitation among people living with memory loss.
"My thing in showing this today is just an awareness and the reactions were great," said Jennifer Hernandez, the activities director at Harmony at Brentwood. "The residents here deserve that love."
They were able to provide more than 50 of these dolls at a baby shower event they had.
Do you have a story you'd like to see on Take Time to Smile? You can email me at Austin.Pollack@newschannel5.com.
It's truly the small things that add up to a great day - and Warrick in Lebanon is having a big impact. His familiar face is becoming a staple in one part of the community and inspiring closer connection in the simplest way. Enjoy his warm personality! You may even feel inclined to wave to a stranger today, too.
-Rebecca Schleicher
