About a month after her mother moved into an Elmhurst memory care facility, Gail Bekin bought her a doll. “She never put it down,” said Bekin. For decades, health care providers have incorporated certain techniques — music, art and pet therapy as well as caring for baby dolls — to help treat people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Gerald Steele is the founder of Stonegate Health Rehab. He shares expert insights, recovery tips, and rehab resources to support individuals on their journey to wellness.