Big Chief: Man of the House (Huge Update 12/29)

[Menolly07]

Good for Chief! That's awesome that he did such an amazing job. I've been trying to look into pet therapy visits, but all the info I find is dog related.

I've a vocal and incredibly friendly/well behaved tabby cat that would eat up the attention and give it back in kind. I simply have no "in" to homes and hospitals. I need to figure out how to get her tubby butt in the door!

 

[ShannyBeard]

You don't need an 'IN' at a nursing home. Call there and ask for the Activities Director or Coordinator or Department. Activities coordinates and makes every event happen at nursing homes. From reading the newspaper every morning, to manicures on Friday afternoons, to Fourth of July cookouts, or summer socials, dog therapy visits....they work tirelessly and do it all. Often they pay people to come through, like when we have miniature horses visit. You are offering something free, and they would likely jump at the chance. If your cat would let you dress it up to bring, that's even better. It would make the residents laugh and it would be something different.

 

[Menolly07]

Oh cool! I didn't realize it was that simple. I thought I'd have to get her checked or something like that. Pooka will wear silly collars, like the Halloween ones. I need to dig up her jester collar. It was super cute. There's an assisted living facility right near me. The skilled nursing closed though. I live by a street where there are three senior facilities in a row. Senior High Rise then Assisted Living then Skilled Nursing (closed now). All in a row and unaffiliated with each other. Really weird coincidental placement.

 

[ShannyBeard]

Sounds like you have several good places to bring your cat, and dressing her up would really make people smile. You may be very familiar with the elderly or people with dementia, but in case you are not, here is a little info that may help it go easier for you. Sometimes elderly people need time to word find and can take time to find the words they want to say. Be patient with them and let them try to talk, even if you have a few moments of silence while they try and put it together. Depending on the place you go to, they may or may not really give them any intelligent socialization. Just like the lady told me today: when you spend so much time alone your vocabulary shrinks. That made me so sad.