Animals bring a wealth of benefits to people, especially those dealing with physical and mental health conditions. However, having a pet isn’t always an option for the people who need them most due to communal living, allergies, etc. But a partnership between Capital Caring Health, part of the nation’s largest not-for-profit advanced illness care and hospice provider, Chapters Health System, and Ageless Innovation, the award-winning Joy for All Companion Pets makers, is changing that narrative.
Through their collaboration, the groups are distributing Companion Pets to veterans with dementia and those suffering from social isolation and loneliness as part of their innovative Robotic Pets for Vets program. To date, the program has distributed more than 3,000 robotic companion pets—which provide joy, companionship, emotional support and more to veterans, and will expand to deliver 1,000+ companion pets to veterans living in long-term care centers across the nation.
There are 171 long-term care centers throughout the United States. These crucial homes provide a comfortable environment and extensive care for vulnerable veterans. Of those living in long-term care centers, more than 50% have a diagnosis of dementia and/or experience feelings of social isolation and loneliness. This revolutionary initiative aims to combat said challenges by distributing care packages of Companion Pets to those impacted.
Thanks to a generous bequest from Mary Stowe Boyd to Capital Caring Health, six robotic pets, three dogs and three cats, will be distributed to each of the 171 state-administered Long-Term Care Centers for veterans. The lifelike robotic animals are designed to simulate the presence and behavior of real pets. Equipped with advanced features like realistic fur, responsive movements and interactive sounds, these companions offer a unique and interactive experience, providing emotional support and comfort to individuals who may be unable to care for live pets.
More than a dozen clinical studies from AARP, UnitedHealthcare and other trusted sources have shown that robotic pets can enhance the lives of older adults living with social isolation, loneliness and forms of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. Capital Caring Health has routinely heard how life-changing these Companion Pets can be for recipients and caretakers. “Veterans and their families have access to many support services, but most of these do not provide for the evidence-based and lasting joy to veterans similar to the robotic companion pets,” said Steve Cone, chief philanthropy officer for Capital Caring Health.
Capital Caring Health and Ageless Innovation have considerable passion and experience serving veterans. Capital Caring Health has served thousands of veterans in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia through its hospice and palliative care programs. Ageless Innovation has worked with dozens of VA Medical Centers nationwide, providing Joy for All Companion Pets to veterans.
“At Ageless Innovation, our meaningful partnership with Capital Caring Health allows us to reach a remarkable group of individuals that are deserving of comfort and companionship,” said Jim Murphy, SVP of Healthcare at Ageless Innovation. “The impact of the Robotic Pets for Vets program thus far has been vast, and we’re confident that the delivery of even more companion pets will only further that impact among veterans across the nation.”
For additional information, visit CapitalCaring.org and AgelessInnovation.com.
Read more articles for the Veteran Community here.
