To combat loneliness among elderly people, a Rickmansworth care home has used the power of pets to spread joy.
Riverside Lodge recently organised the procurement of a ‘dementia cat’ for a resident who moved into the home in early January. The dementia cat is a hyper-realistic toy that allows the person to get the benefits of the animal without it being ‘real’. The cat purrs, meows and rolls over.
Sarah Pratt, customer relations manager at Riverside Lodge, told RICKYnews: “This particular resident has dementia and had been agitated and anxiety ridden since moving. But now with the cat, she is so calm. It has been transformative.”
The home also recently enjoyed a visit from Kika, the St Bernard therapy dog.
Kika’s owner Spencer told RICKYnews: “She is really good for the elderly and people with dementia. The more they stroke her, the more they remember pets and it helps to jog their memory.
“Plus, everyone loves a dog cuddle!”
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