This week’s therapy cat visit didn’t involve a hospital. It was an assisted living for people with dementia. I used to visit this pair of facilities before the pandemic. In fact, it was the last place I visited before everything got locked down a year and a half ago. While we were looking forward to visiting, my human was dreading it a little bit because so much time has passed. She knew that some people would no longer be there, and that the dementia of the ones that we knew from before had likely increased. Time is not kind for these people.
The first house was much the same as it was before, except for my human having to wear a mask and getting her temperature taken. We were never that familiar with the residents at this house. So most of the 20-odd people were either new to us, or might as well have been new. People were happy to see me right away. I got lots of nice pets and compliments from several women and a few men too. One woman told us about a white cat she used to have named Bandaid, because when they got him he had a little scratch on his nose.
As we were leaving for the second house, we walked by a bulletin board displaying different activities that the residents enjoyed. There was a whole section devoted to therapy pets, and there were lots of photos of me! My human didn’t even remember the staff taking the pictures, but there I was, looking happy with the residents.
At the second house, my human only saw a couple of people she recognized from before. Neither of them were that interested in me. The second one, a man, was more interested in talking to my human, same as last time we were there, only he had more trouble communicating and needed to know what year it was. Lots of other residents did want to see me, though, and I wandered around and visited. It was nice to let the residents touch my fur, and I leaned into a couple of them and made myself at home on the couches.
I do want to mention that not all the residents at these two facilities are elderly. Some are younger and suffering dementia for reasons other than age-related diseases.
It was a sweet visit, and a little sad.
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You are a brave kitty, Summer. I would hide under the bed. Sasha
You are so special and so is Mom for joining the Therapy Pet Program. We need more cats in it but it has to be cats that are really special, like you. Purrs friends
What you guys do is incredible! Summer (and human) you guys rock.
Thanks once again for doing this awesome and important work, Summer. You and your Human are very special.
Hubby’s brother showed distinct signs of dementia when he was in his early 50s…and went into a care facility not that long afterwards. So sad.
Where I work, there are several peeps who are younger than I am…
Head injuries, drug use/abuse and other reasons can cause this trouble…and early onset Alzheimers, such as my B-in-Law had is so devastating.
Oh Summer, so bitter sweet. I had an aunt with denentia. That was years ago. Strangely, her son, my oldest cousin is now in a home. He’s only one year older than my brother ( who is in excellent health as he approaches his 80th birthday. I’m the baby at 65. I get scared sometimes as I’m getting forgetful. Yes very sad
Summer, it’s so special what you and your human do. Thank you for being such an ambassador to the residents at these homes.
I just know that your visits to these places means the world to the residents – especially those who had cats in their past……..my Mom’s Mom was a patient in a nursing home and they had a “resident cat” who walked the halls and visited the residents regularly. It seemed to be very exciting for many of them to have a happy distraction from their daily routine. So happy you are doing this for them!
Hugs, Teddy
So wonderful they remembered you and took photos. You guys are so sweet to visit these folks who need their days brightened.
Purrz!
Selina
Sounds like you and your human spread a lot of joy today. It must be hard to see people in that condition. XO
You and your human are SO incredibly special, Summer.
I can well imagine all of these people were happy to see you Summer.
I know you brought them joy sweet Summer, even if some didn’t know how to show it.
Mee-yow Summer it soundss like it WAS a guud vissit. LadyMew tried to take care of Dementia payshuntss when she was inn Nursing. Shee had 2 payshuntss an when they deeclined so much an had to to innto a speshell place it upset LadyMew so much shee cuud not take on a 3rd payshunt with that illness.
You an Miss “J” are wunderful to vissit there. THE ressydentss need guud company!
***purrss*** BellaDharma an {{huggiess}} LadyMew
Summer, I’m sure you gave those dementia patients so much joy! I’m glad you visit them as well as hospital patients. You do such important work *purrs*
Dearest Summer,
So glad you were able to deliver some much needed, always understood, sunshine into the lives of those that miss out on so much!
Refreshing to see pictures on the bulletin board from ‘long time’ ago. It seems like that…
Big hugs,
Mariette
Bravo for all you and your human do to make the world a little happier.
You do such impawtant work, but yes, it definitely has its sad aspects.
How wonderful that you got to visit those people. We know they enjoyed seeing you.
Summer…that was maybe the most important stop you made for awhile. XX
Good to see you are able to make so many people smile Summer
Purrs, Julie
You look so business-like and yet relaxed in your picture taken in
the car. It’s kind of you and your human to do this particular visit.
I doubt any of the residents will remember you after you are out the
door but they can enjoy the moment.
You bring so many people joy, Summer. 🙂
It was good to visit those places. You most likely brought back hidden memories for a lot of those patients.