Virginia veterans suffering from dementia or loneliness can now receive free companion robotic pets through Capital Caring Health.
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services announced this week that Capital Caring Health, based in Falls Church, Va., is providing companion robotic dogs and cats for veterans at the Commonwealth’s veteran care centers.
Capital Caring Health, which is part of the nation’s largest not-for-profit advanced illness care and hospice provider—Chapters Health System, and Ageless Innovation, are the makers of the award-winning Joy for All™ Companion Pets. They are distributing the robotic pets to veterans with dementia and those suffering from feelings of social isolation and loneliness as part of their innovative “Robotic Pets for Vets” program.
Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center in Richmond, Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center in Roanoke and Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center in Virginia Beach each received six companion pets, which included three dogs and three cats.
The Puller Veterans Care Center in Warrenton will also receive six battery-operated pets upon its opening.
“We find that the robotic pets are very helpful in assisting with residents when they are agitated or restless,” said Robyn Jennings, Administrator at Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center in Richmond. “It gives the veterans a sense of peace when holding the pets.”
According to clinical studies and first-hand experience at Capital Caring Health, companion pets have been proven to improve the quality of life of veterans and others suffering from dementia and/or loneliness.
The companion pets are lifelike robotic animals designed to simulate the presence and behaviors of real pets. Equipped with advanced features like realistic fur, responsive movements and interactive sounds, the animals offer an interactive experience that provides emotional support and comfort to individuals who may be unable to care for live pets.
Capital Caring Health has donated robotic pets not just to Virginia’s state-run veterans care centers, but to every state-operated veterans care center throughout the nation.
To date, Capital Caring Health's "Robotic Pets for Vets" program has distributed more than 3,000 robotic companion pets across the country.
“Recipients of our robotic pets usually keep them around the clock and name them,” said Stephen Cone, Chief of Communications, Marketing & Philanthropy at Capital Caring Health. “Personalities of the veterans change from agitated and confused to often joyful, happy and calm – a dramatic transformation that improves the veterans’ lives.”
Cone said he hears from families all the time about how miraculous it is for their family member to have received one of these pets.
Due to donations from individuals, companies and foundations, the robotic pets are provided free of charge to any professional caregiver or family caregiver who contacts Capital Caring Health on behalf of a loved one or patient with dementia.
To request a robotic dog or cat, one can fill out a form here.
“Our goal is to consistently improve the quality of life of the residents in our care centers, which is why we are committed to utilizing the most innovative technology to meet their needs,” said Chuck Zingler, Virginia Department of Veterans Services Commissioner.