“The light is back when Ron has RJ,” says Ginny, speaking about her husband, Ron, who lives with moderate dementia and received one of the first Samaritan Robotic Companion Pets, a dog named RJ.
On this particular afternoon, Ron and RJ are sitting together in the living room, and as Ron repositions RJ, the brown and white pup lifts his head, gives a soft whine, and settles into Ron’s lap.
RJ is a Joy For All Companion Pet, a battery-operated pet made with soft, lifelike fur, authentic sounds, and realistic reactions. The pets respond to touch and voice, have heartbeats, and sleep when they are not in use. Most importantly, each provides companionship, engagement, and a sense of purpose for individuals who might otherwise feel isolated or lonely.
“RJ has been a wonderful change,” says Ginny, Ron’s wife. “He’s made Ron happy, which makes me happy for him.” RJ has helped Ginny to feel less burdened, allowing her to unload the dishwasher or fold a load of laundry, things most of us take for granted, but tasks that often must wait for caregivers. “I know RJ is on duty,” Ginny adds. “I talk to him, too,” she says with smile. “He makes us both very happy.”
Samaritan Companion Pets are provided through our Social Connections program as part of our commitment to addressing issues of aging, isolation, and loneliness in our region. Companion Pets reduce feelings of loneliness and provide comfort and relaxation. For dementia patients like Ron, research has shown Companion Pets improve mood and well-being.
Living alone and no longer able to care for a cat as he once did, Charles received another of Samaritan’s first Companion Pets, a black and white cat named Matilda.
Because of mobility issues, Charles is limited to sitting in his favorite chair most days, but now, he and Matilda share a routine and a bond. “I know she’s not real,” Charles says, “but she’s one of the nicest things that’s ever happened to me.”
Charles had a cat that died a year ago. “He’s been lonely,” his daughter, Judy, says. When his Samaritan social worker suggested a Companion Pet, Judy loved the idea. “This is perfect,” she says. “He would be lost without the cat. She made him more optimistic, and he doesn’t feel alone with her here.”
“She’s with me every day,” Charles explains, as Matilda meows. “If I pet her a certain way, she’ll lay her head back. She puts her paw up and wipes her nose. She bites her paws like a regular cat. It’s amazing.”
For Charles, the addition of a Samaritan Companion Pet directly reduced his feelings of social isolation. “It makes me feel so good,” he says. “If I wake up in the middle of the night and move, she meows and we talk a little bit, then we both go back to sleep. It’s wonderful thing.”
Social Connection is vital for our individual health and wellbeing and the strength of the communities in which we live, work, and play. Fifty-eight percent of American adults report experiencing loneliness and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated. In New Jersey, a recent statewide survey found that more than 2.3 million New Jersey residents are lonely or socially isolated.
At Samaritan, we are committed to providing services that decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness, including our Friendly Visitor and Robotic Companion Pet programs.
If you’d like to learn more, or become involved as a Friendly Caller volunteer, please contact Erika Thomas at [email protected] or (856) 552-3235
You can make a difference in the life of a patient, today! CLICK HERE to Sponsor a Pet!