Article by Jodi Smith, Volunteer Solutions
(Posted 2023 August)
What are furry, bark and meow, and don't require training to bring joy and companionship to older adults? Robotic pets are the answer! These cute animals bring all the love of pet ownership without any of the pet care responsibilities to their owners. Cats and dogs are finding their fur-ever homes with older adults and adults with disabilities who are clients of Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services older adult programs or who are participants at Fairfax County’s Senior Centers and Adult Day Health Care Centers.
The Companion Pet program began after team members from Fairfax County’s Volunteer Solutions learned about the use of robotic pets in a hospital setting. They soon began researching robotic pet programs around the country and believed that the pets would be a creative way to address social isolation and loneliness and bring joy to Fairfax residents. Through their advocacy, the Companion Pets program was launched by Volunteer Solutions in early 2022.
Robotic pets themselves are not new, but their usage to address social isolation and loneliness among older adults skyrocketed during the pandemic, with programs in New York and Florida leading the way. There is a large body of research that demonstrates how robotic pets decrease loneliness, provide a sense of purpose, and reduce agitation. Several programs have focused on providing the robotic pets to people with dementia and have noted increased alertness and calm among their recipients.
The use of Joy For All Pets was a common element across several states as these pets are among the most affordable and life-like. Battery-operated, the pets don’t walk (which avoids creating a fall hazard), but their eyes and heads move, and they bark, purr, and meow. They respond to touch via motion sensors. Joy For All Pets was created by Ageless Innovation, a spin-off of the Hasbro Toy Company.
Committed to addressing social isolation and loneliness with creativity, the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging (AAA) secured funding for the purchase of nearly 200 Joy for All robotic pets. The target population for the program is Adult and Aging clients as well active participants in Fairfax area senior centers and Adult Day Health Care Centers who are over the age of 60. Subsequently, the program has also purchased a few pets for adults under age 60.
The goal of the program is to provide pets to those who are lonely or isolated and for people who may have difficulty purchasing a pet on their own. Volunteers deliver the pets to participants and conduct a survey to measure loneliness and isolation at the initial drop-off and then again about 6-8 weeks later to see if there are changes over time. Data is still being collected, but the responses from both participants and volunteers have been overwhelmingly positive. Most owners have named their pets and have bonded quickly. Program participants are delighted to have company when watching television, reading, and resting. Some are eager to show off their pet to friends or family, and others plan to document their new companions via photos or videos.
One recipient recently wrote, “I received my companion kitty today. She is so sweet and I really appreciate this program. I can’t wait until my granddaughter gets home from preschool so I can facetime with her, and she can choose a name.”
Volunteer Solutions’ staff members, volunteers, and student interns report that launching the program has been a labor of love as they observe the pets bringing joy to their owners.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).