Looking for a Gift for Your Elderly Loved One?

Have you been searching for something for your elderly loved one that would provide some comfort and help ease their feelings of loneliness and isolation? While you may think now is not the best time for them to assume the responsibilities of a new pet, you may want to take a look at one of the many “robotic pets” in the marketplace. 

We know there has been a lot of research that supports the idea pet ownership is beneficial to seniors and a loving pet is a great companion. Now researchers have also discovered that robotic pets may provide the elderly with many of the same benefits live animals do. A 2017 study found that the interaction between older adults and animals, whether real or robotic, helped lower blood pressure, eased anxiety, reduced feeling of loneliness and improved the overall quality of life. 

The advantage of a low-maintenance robot dog or cat is they are easy for seniors with little to no tech savvy to “care for.” The realistic pets do little tricks such as a robotic dog who wags its tail, raises its eyebrow when you pet it, has a heartbeat, and makes a barking noise. For people with dementia, robotic pets have helped ease agitation and anxiety and seem to have a calming influence. 

In fact, New York’s Department for the Aging (DFTA) was so impressed with the pets that they implemented a program to distribute mechanical dogs and cats to a number of seniors with the aim of easing loneliness. The DFTA’s Commissioner, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains, “For the older person, social isolation really has a devastating effect on their health.” 

If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Reno area MorningStar of Sparks encourages you to contact us or visit our website for more information about our loving community. We offer 128 bright suites for independent living along with 80 private assisted living suites with a choice of spacious floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 32 secure suites devoted to the personalized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

MorningStar of Sparks proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks offers.