This week I had a therapy cat visit at the two assisted living homes for people with Alzheimers and dementia. I started working the moment I hit the lobby at the first house. There were a couple of residents there to see. One was the lady I saw last time, who cried when she saw me. She was weepy again today. She really misses being around kitties.
Once I got to the big room, everyone was excited. They were calling out, “Summer’s here!” and everything. There is one staff member in the big room who is really great at helping the residents visit with me. She made sure that anyone who wanted to sit with me could, and took photos of me with the residents on her iPad. My human also took some Instamatic photos so they had something to keep. I had a nice time there.
The second house was having some floor work done, so it took my human a while to figure out how to get to their big room. But once we were there I started visiting with everyone. One woman in a motorized wheelchair really liked me and I spent a lot of time with her. I saw some familiar faces.
One thing made my human sad. They give us the visitors log to sign in at the first house, just like any other visitor. And my human looked at the sign in just above us, and it was from two days previously. That meant half the weekend went by with nobody visiting anybody at the house. It’s true that a lot of residents are forgotten at facilities like these, which makes my job even more important. I’m so glad to be able to do it.
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
- Sometimes the Quiet Therapy Cat Visits are the Best
- Dropping in on the Seniors
- Visiting the Assisted Living Houses
2022 Somali Cat Calendar Starring Summer Samba
See all of Summer’s merch at her her Zazzle Designercat Shop
My mom really lines when kitties visit. . She lost her Louie last July. She choose not to get another due to her age. She misses her kitty. Last week, one of the med aides brought her tiny kitty in for my mom to hold. She loved it.
When we used to visit my Mom in the nursing home I noticed the same thing about the visitors log – few visitors. I know how much just having a visit from you and your Human means to people who are “tucked away” in assisted living and nursing homes. It’s wonderful that you do that!
Hugs, Pam (and Teddy)
Summer that’s heartbreaking . I fear that will be me some day. I don’t have a partner or children. Very little family as well. They barely know I’m alive now. You are a rockstar and my hero
Summer, you are doing such a wonderful thing for these people. I hope when I am in a similar situation that a lovely kitty like you will visit me.
That is so special, Summer. You and your human bring such joy to those w=you visit.
Summer, what a special visit. You really are needed by those humans. I’m glad you visit them.
Glad you were able to help brighten their day.
That is sad that they have so few visitors. You are a celebrity and so sweet to cheer them all up ( your human too).
The lady that misses kitties so much she cries breaks my heart. I can’t even imagine.
So nice to have so many people happy and excited to see you
and some calling your name. Very satisfying for the work you
do. It had to be the best part of the day for many of those people
who saw you there. Thank you.
It’s so wonderful that you bring joy to those people with your visit ! Paws up to you and your human ! Purrs
Summer that brought tears. It’s so sad when people are ailing and don’t get visitors. I know that getting visits from you and your human must mean alot to them.
So sad not to remember those people. Glad you do.
It is sad that people don’t get visitors. It makes your visits doubly important.
I’m so glad you visit there sweet Summer, they really, really need you.
It is very sad that so many people are forgotten and we’re glad they have your visits to brighten their day.
Thank you for visiting the people who do indeed need you so much. It is so difficult to hear that they didn’t have visitors. I know the pandemic created problems with restrictions on visitors but that obviously wasn’t the case right now. I had a family member and a close friend who both suffered from dementia and alzheimer’s. It can be really difficult for people to cope with visiting people who have these illnesses.
thank you for sharing your cheery presence with them.
As it appears that the residents do not get visitors, it is SO nice of you to go there and visit.
It really sounds like your visit was SO appreciated. Bet it really made their day brighter!
Purrs, Julie
This made me cry. That’s such a wonderful thing you and your human are doing, Summer.
I think I like reading about your visits there than anywhere else because they are largely forgotten and “abandoned” by family. Thank you Summer for going, and for having pity for these people.
Summer this really touched my heart. Often the older people get forgotten and it is wonderful that you and your human bring joy into their home. Love this.
We are sure you brought a lot of joy and made the residents furry happy, Summer.
Bless you and your Mom for visiting the assisted living centers. These people truly are forgotten by society.
xoxo
Yes, it is a fact that some peeps hardly get visitors when they live in a facility…your work is very important, Summer, because getting a visit makes those peeps feel loved and needed.
Thanks for all you do!