Chapters Health Robotics Pet Program
Companion Pets are designed to bring comfort, companionship and fun to elder loved ones. With realistic fur and pet-like sounds – and sensors that respond to petting and hugs with familiar pet-like actions.
Why
Loneliness, social isolation and cognitive decline are all at all-time highs amongst seniors we care for, coupled with the social restrictions related to Covid, seniors are at even more risk of being socially isolated. By supporting our patients who are experiencing social Isolation, loneliness, cognitive decline, dementia, depression or the recent loss of a pet, the Chapters Health Companion Pet Program aims to improve the quality of life for these patients and their overall patient experience while under our care.
Who/What/When
The Chapters Health Companion Pet Program is an innovative care program created to support patients and families under our care. With social isolation amongst older adults on the rise, Chapters Health was looking for a way to create both a clinically therapeutic and fun way to help those who may be at higher risk for social isolation, loneliness, depression or decreased cognition. Hospice patients presenting agitation, anxiety or depression due to advancing dementia/dementia-related diseases, those patients who are or are at risk of being socially isolated and those who have recently lost a pet are ideal candidates for the Chapters Health Companion Pet Program. Companion pets available: dog or cat at approximately $125 per companion pet supported by Chapters Health Foundation and Chapters Health System affiliate Foundations.
How
Admission Nurses, Nurse Case Managers and Social Workers will work with the others on the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to identify patients who meet the criteria for the program. A Care Plan will be created around the identified concern and then in order to create a baseline, the Social Worker will administer the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) at the time the pet is provided and every 14 days after to evaluate the patient’s progress. These findings will be documented and tracked through the WellSky/myUnity EMRs and Care Plan to demonstrate the patient’s progress toward their goal.
Where
All Chapters Health Companion Pets and the provision of services related to this program are provided in concert with the hospice services being provided by Chapters Health, this would be in the patient’s residence (home, group home, ALF, SNF, etc.).
*at the time of the patient’s death, the companion pet may remain with the family as a keepsake/memento to remind them of their loved one who they have lost
Lightning Community Hero Uses Donation to Expand Robotic Pets Program
Clifton Pease honored as Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero works to expand robotic pets program. (Spectrum News) Click on the image below to go to the story.
