Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska is now providing a limited number of comfort pets at no cost to reduce social isolation for Alaskans.

Are you worried about someone who is lonely and needs comfort? This might help.

Isolation and loneliness are just two hurdles people living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia (ADRD) regularly face. There are supports and resources throughout Alaska that address these issues. One of the latest is our Comfort Pet program. Comfort Pets, designed by the company Joy for All, are robotic cats and dogs designed to bring comfort, companionship and fun to elders.

They are fantastic companions that don’t require the care of live pets. In fact, several ARA staff were surprised when they walked through the conference room where some comfort pets were on display and the pets moved, meowed or barked for attention! When one fell over they were surprised to see it right itself. These “pets” are truly incredible feats of technology and comfort.

Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska now provides a limited number of comfort pets at no cost to reduce social isolation for Alaskans. Funding was provided by the CARES Act, administered by the State Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Senior and Disability Services (DHSS/SDS).

To be considered for the Comfort Pet program applicants must have dementia or suspected dementia and live in the community, outside of residential care, at the time of application. Apply for yours here. Individuals living with ADRD who live in an assisted living or nursing home and would like/benefit from a Comfort Pet are encouraged to apply for a Mini-grant to get one.

If you have questions about this program, please contact Kevin Silver at ksilver@alzalaska.org or 907-561-3313.

Source: Comfort Pets Help Reduce Isolation for Any Alaskan Living with Alzheimer’s or Related Dementias