Providence Living at The Views, in partnership with Cat Advocates Teaching & Saving Society (CATS), has introduced a new method of care for seniors at its assisted-living facility in Comox.
The program, launched during Seniors Week, brought furry felines to visit residents at the facility.
It could also be part of the new Providence home being built in Prince George.
Described as a win-win, the initiative offers residents a home-like experience in line with Providence Living’s Home for Us care model, while also helping socialize young kittens.
Kelley Romeril, director of site operations, told The Citizen the idea came from a personal experience.
“One of the members of the CATS society — his mother lives here — noticed how she responded to visits with their cat and how much she loved it,” Romeril said. “He wanted to bring that same experience to other residents.
“He approached the CATS group, and then together they came to us and asked if we’d like to have weekly kitten visits. Of course, we welcomed that opportunity with open arms — because how couldn’t we?”
Romeril said the benefits to residents were immediate and profound.
“There are so many benefits,” she said. “You see residents’ eyes light up, and they begin to reminisce about the pets they’ve had. You witness a sense of comfort and serenity come over them when they’re around animals.
“We also know that interacting with pets reduces boredom and brings spontaneity and joy. All those inherent benefits are there when we bring animals into the space.”
Romeril added that Providence Living plans to incorporate animal visits in all its facilities, including new sites currently under construction in Smithers, Quesnel and Prince George.
“I think the intention for Providence Living and our Home for Us care model is to ensure that residents have a day well lived,” she said. “That of course includes pets and animal visits.
“What exactly that will look like in Prince George or at other care homes still remains to be seen, but it is certainly our intention that pet visits are a part of life at the river.”
Pet visits are already a fixture at many Providence Living facilities. In Comox, the care home has partnered with organizations such as St. John Ambulance's pet therapy program and local farms.
“We always look for those opportunities to invite animals into the home,” Romeril said. “As we build new homes, we’ll continue to seek out those community partnerships.”
Animal visits are not restricted to cats. Providence Living has also partnered with local hobby farms, therapeutic horse programs and St. John Ambulance therapy dog teams.
At various sites, residents have had the chance to interact with horses, goats, ducks, dogs and more.
“We are open to every opportunity that comes our way,” Romeril said. “It’s our goal to provide as many chances as possible for residents to visit with animals and pets.
“Part of my role is to continue to reach out and build those community partnerships. This summer, we’re planning to have miniature horses visit on-site. We’re also expanding our dog therapy program and will be welcoming two new dogs in the fall.
“We continue to seize every opportunity available to us to create lasting and sustainable relationships.”
