Theo the Therapy Dog weighted plush

Finding the right Christmas gift for your mother or father can be challenging. Even more so when they are resigning in a retirement or nursing home. Today we bring you the perfect gift. Measuring, 2.5 lbs Theo the Therapy Dog weighted plush from Roylco is a comforting companion for your aging parent.

He is ideal, especially for older adults living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and social isolation. A 2017 study revealed that plush animals have been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce agitation and feelings of loneliness, produce a sense of well-being, and improve overall quality of life.

In July 2014, my oldest daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury while riding an ATV. During my daughter’s weeks in intensive care, family members brought her several stuffed animals from the gift shop. Weeks and months following the accident those stuffed animals were plush therapy, which provided a soothing calming effect during moments of extreme agitation.

I recently took Theo into a local retirement home to see how seniors, especially those living with dementia responded. It was amazing to witness firsthand how Theo can provide the same tactile comfort as a live pet.

One of the ladies even gave Theo the name Peattie asking if she could keep him. She thought he was my new puppy. Another sweet lady sat in her chair stroking Theo’s soft fur as she spoke softly to him. One lady told me how a companion such as Theo would provide comfort to her as she was very lonely. A gentleman went on to tell me about how Theo reminded him of a dog he had growing up. It’s well known that doll therapy can have the same results as animal therapy, however for senior men Theo is a logical substitute.

A Weighted Stuffed Animal for Children

Theo the Therapy Dog is not just for adults. He makes an ideal gift for children, facing trauma and loss. My daughter took me to Theo right away. He is also especially beneficial to kids with ADD, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, or other disorders. You can place Theo around their neck or on their chest.

His soft lifelike fur provides sensory comfort to a child. The beads, fur, paw pads, ears, eyes, and nose all provide unique textures for tactile exploration.

The hook and loop pocket in his belly holds a pouch of ceramic beads that emits a gentle lavender aroma. You can remove the pouch and heat in the microwave to give children an extra dimension of comfort. The pouch can also be chilled in the fridge for cold therapy.

My eldest daughter who owns Theo did comment that the lavender was rather strong once heated. If you have sensory issues with smell do keep this in mind.

Theo the Therapy Dog can also be beneficial to those suffering from mental health issues by providing what is known as deep pressure touch stimulation. Weighted stuffed animals such as Theo can also help adults with insomnia sleep better. My daughter comments that some nights Theo helps her sleep better.

Overall, if you are looking for the perfect gift to give to a loved one living with dementia or ADHD then Theo is it.

Theo can be purchased via www.roylco.com.

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