Doll Therapy, Music, Art & CBD: Non-Medical Interventions for Dementia Care on Long Island
In-Home Care, Long Island, NY
When caring for a loved one with dementia, families are often searching for ways to enhance quality of life, reduce agitation, and bring moments of calm and joy. While medications can play a role in managing symptoms, non-medical interventions are becoming increasingly recognized for their ability to support emotional well-being and enrich daily experiences. Among the most powerful of these are doll therapy, music and art engagement, and more recently, the thoughtful use of cannabidiol (CBD).
For families and caregivers on Long Island, there are growing local resources and community partners that support these holistic approaches—including the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center (ADRC), Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center, and the Long Island chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Understanding the Power of Non-Medical Interventions
Dementia changes the brain in profound ways, affecting memory, communication, mood, and behavior. While medications may help slow cognitive decline or reduce anxiety and depression, they don’t address the whole person—their need for connection, stimulation, and comfort. Non-medical therapies do just that. They can be highly personalized, accessible at home or in care communities, and meaningful for both the person living with dementia and their caregivers.
Let’s explore four non-medical interventions that are transforming dementia care: doll therapy, music therapy, art therapy, and CBD—with a focus on their practical use and availability on Long Island.
Doll Therapy: Comfort Through Connection
Doll therapy, sometimes called “attachment therapy,” involves providing a person with dementia a life-like baby doll or stuffed animal. While it may seem unconventional, many caregivers report dramatic improvements in mood, behavior, and social interaction when dolls are introduced in a sensitive and respectful way.
How it Helps:
-
Provides a sense of purpose and nurturing
-
Reduces agitation and anxiety, especially in later stages
-
Can encourage communication, storytelling, and affectionate behavior
A 2018 study published in Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice found that doll therapy increased positive emotional expressions and reduced distress in people with advanced dementia.
Important Note: It’s vital to offer dolls without infantilizing the individual. Let them engage naturally, without forcing the interaction, and always with dignity and compassion.
Where to Find Support on Long Island:
-
Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center (LIAD) in Westbury has hands-on programs that integrate comfort therapies including doll use in their day programs.
- The Alzheimer’s Store – doll and toy therapy
- Amazon – Doll and Toy Therapy Products
-
ADRC (Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center) in Bay Shore can provide information and referrals on local therapeutic programs.
Music Therapy: Unlocking Memory and Emotion
Music has a unique ability to activate multiple areas of the brain simultaneously. For people with dementia, this can mean triggering long-term memories, promoting social interaction, and lifting mood—even when communication skills are fading.
Benefits of Music Therapy:
-
Eases anxiety and agitation
-
Promotes memory recall and recognition
-
Encourages movement, dancing, and physical activity
-
Enhances communication and social bonding
A widely cited study by Neurologist Oliver Sacks demonstrated that music can remain intact in people with Alzheimer’s even when other memory systems decline. Singing familiar songs often brings clarity and engagement, even in later stages of the disease.
Local Long Island Resources:
-
LIAD’s Music and Memory Program: Offers structured sessions using personalized playlists.
-
The Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter supports music programs and caregiver workshops that integrate music into daily care.
-
Music & Memory®, Inc., founded in New York, offers training and support to caregivers looking to use personalized music playlists as therapy.
Family caregivers can easily implement music therapy at home using tools like:
-
Streaming services with customized playlists (Spotify, Apple Music)
-
Portable speakers or headphones with familiar music from the 1940s–1970s
-
Sing-alongs or playing an instrument together
Art Therapy: Expression Without Words
Art therapy allows people with dementia to express themselves creatively, bypassing the need for language. Even those with advanced dementia can enjoy the tactile and visual pleasure of working with color, shape, and texture.
How It Helps:
-
Boosts self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment
-
Enhances focus and engagement
-
Reduces depression and apathy
-
Encourages non-verbal communication
Art sessions don’t need to be complicated. Watercolors, pastels, collage, or clay modeling can all be adapted to an individual’s abilities. The act of creating—rather than the final product—is where the therapeutic value lies.
Where to Access Art-Based Dementia Programs on Long Island:
-
LIAD Center offers on-site art programs and caregiver-supported activities.
-
Adelphi University’s Creative Arts Therapy program partners with community groups to offer art sessions for older adults.
-
The Art League of Long Island occasionally partners with local aging services to host dementia-friendly workshops.
- Rain or Shine Art Therapy provides in-home art therapy programs
Family First Home Companions can integrate at-home art activities into companion care visits, encouraging creativity in a relaxed, familiar environment.
CBD and Dementia: Exploring a Complementary Option
Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, has gained attention for its potential calming effects. While research is still emerging, early evidence and caregiver reports suggest CBD may help manage some behavioral symptoms associated with dementia.
Potential Benefits:
-
May reduce agitation, anxiety, and restlessness
-
Could improve sleep patterns
-
Offers anti-inflammatory properties that may support overall brain health
A 2019 study published in The Journal of Psychopharmacology found that CBD oil reduced agitation in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease when used alongside standard care.
Things to Know:
-
Always consult with a physician before using CBD, especially if the individual is on medications.
-
Use only high-quality, third-party tested CBD products.
-
Start with low doses and monitor for changes in behavior or alertness.
Long Island Resources for CBD:
-
Your CBD Store (multiple Long Island locations) offers educational consultations.
-
Etain Health, a New York State licensed medical cannabis provider, offers pharmacist consultations and CBD products.
-
Some geriatric physicians and neurologists in Suffolk and Nassau counties may guide families on safe CBD use for dementia.
Supporting the Family Caregiver
Beyond its benefits for the individual with dementia, each of these non-medical interventions provides emotional relief and practical support to caregivers. They offer new ways to connect, calm distressing symptoms, and create shared joy—especially during moments when traditional caregiving strategies fall short.
At Family First Home Companions, our caregivers are trained in these supportive methods and can integrate them into day-to-day care at home. Whether it’s a soothing playlist, a quiet art session, or a nurturing interaction through doll therapy, we aim to create positive moments of connection and dignity.
Local Organizations Supporting Dementia Care on Long Island
Here are a few trusted organizations providing education, support, and programs related to dementia and non-medical care:
Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center (ADRC) – Bay Shore, NY
-
Support groups, educational programs, caregiver training
Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center (LIAD) – Westbury, NY
-
On-site day programs with music, art, and cognitive activities
Alzheimer’s Association – Long Island Chapter – Melville, NY
-
Community programs, Helpline, Music & Memory grants
Family First Home Companions – Islandia, NY
-
In-home companion care, caregiver support, dementia education
Non-medical interventions like doll therapy, music, art, and even CBD are reshaping how we care for individuals living with dementia. They focus not on what has been lost—but on what still brings joy, comfort, and connection.
As a caregiver, you don’t have to do it alone. Local organizations and trained professionals across Long Island are here to help you navigate the journey with dignity and support.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Family First Home Companions can bring these supportive approaches into your loved one’s home, contact us today or call (631) 319-3961.
At Family First Home Companions of Long Island, NY our mission is to provide an outstanding home care service that is professional and personalized. We diligently hire attentive, qualified staff to meet each client’s unique needs and do so with compassion and integrity. It is an honor and a privilege to help seniors at home to maintain their independence and quality of life in Long Island, NY. If you or a senior loved one needs help with daily activities such as, meal preparation, household chores, errands, transportation, guidance and supervision for safety at home, please call Family First Home Companions at 631-319-3961. We proudly serve seniors at home in Albertson, Amityville, Babylon, Baldwin, Bayport, Bay Shore, Bayville, Bellerose Terrace, Bellmore, Bellport, Bethpage, Blue Point, Bohemia, Brentwood, Brightwaters, Brookhaven, Brookville, Calverton, Carle Place, Cedarhurst, Center Moriches, Centereach, Centerport, Central Islip, Cold Spring Harbor, Commack, Copiague, Coram, Deer Park, Dix Hills, East Islip, East Marion, East Meadow, East Moriches, East Northport, East Norwich, East Patchogue, East Quogue, East Rockaway, East Setauket, Eastport, Elmont, Elwood, Farmingdale, Farmingville, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Freeport, Garden City, Glen Head Glenwood Landing, Great Neck, Great River, Greenlawn, Greenvale, Hampton Bays, Hauppauge, Hempstead, Hewlett, Hicksville, Holbrook, Holtsville, Huntington, Huntington Station, Inwood, Island Park, Islandia, Islip, Islip Terrace, Jamesport, Jericho, Kings Park, Kings Point, Lake Grove, Lawrence, Levittown, Lindenhurst, Lloyd Harbor, Locust Valley, Lynbrook, Malverne, Manhasset, Manorville, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Mastic, Mastic Beach, Medford, Melville, Merrick, Middle Island, Mill Neck, Miller Place, Mineola, Moriches, Mount Sinai, Nesconset, New Hyde Park, North Amityville, North Babylon, North Lynbrook, North New Hyde Park, North Patchogue, North Valley Stream, North Woodmere, Northport, Oakdale, Oceanside, Old Bethpage, Old Westbury, Oyster Bay, Patchogue, Plainview, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Port Washington, Quogue, , Ridge, Riverhead, Rockville Centre, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma, Roosevelt, Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Saint James, Sands Point, Sayville, Sea Cliff, Seaford, Selden, Shirley, Shoreham, Smithtown, Sound Beach, South Hempstead, Southampton, Stony Brook, Syosset, Uniondale, Upton, Valley Stream, Wading River, Wantagh, West Babylon, West Hempstead, West Islip, West Sayville, Westbury, Westhampton, Westhampton Beach, Williston Park, Woodbury, Woodmere, Wyandanch, Yaphank
