Volunteers from the local cat rescue group, the Cat Advocacy, Teaching, and Saving Society (C.A.T.S.), are bringing kittens in need of care into nursing homes, allowing them to be held by elderly individuals with dementia. These heartwarming interactions are infusing a special kind of warmth and vitality into the lives of the elderly.
Alan Slater, a 72 – year – old man from Comox, spent his entire life engaging in conversations. However, dementia has presented him with formidable challenges. Although his memory and comprehension still remain to some extent, the disease has virtually robbed him of his ability to speak. Now, the only words he can utter are “yes”, “three”, and an inelegant term.
“Yes… three, three, three,” Slater told CHEK News at the dementia care facility in Comox.
Kelly Romeril, the operations manager at Providence View Living Community where Slater resides, said that despite Slater’s loss of speech, if you pay attention to his expressive body language, you’ll find that he has become a master communicator. “Communication is easy if you open your heart to listen,” Romeril said.
Slater, a retired musician, is particularly excited about a new program at the dementia village, where verbal communication isn’t necessary. The C.A.T.S. organization brings kittens to the nursing home for close interactions with elderly people like Slater.
“They came to us with this idea, and of course we welcomed it with open arms. After all, kittens and residents are a match made in heaven,” Romeril said.
“It’s just so beautiful. There are so many beautiful moments of interaction, filled with laughter. The giggles from the elderly make us feel like we’re all kids again. The affectionate hugs, the peace on the faces of some residents, and the laughter that evokes childhood memories – it’s all wonderful. There are sparks of love everywhere,” Romeril recalled the first meeting between the kittens and the elderly.
The kittens’ first visit was a huge success, and the staff quickly decided to make it a weekly regular activity in the nursing home. So, Slater is already looking forward to the next arrival of the kittens. This activity closely connects the rescued kittens in need of care with the elderly who are eager to share their love, allowing warmth and love to continue.
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