Advanced Illness Care and Hospice Provider, Capital Caring
Health, Expands Upon Successful "Pets for Vets" Program to Provide
Comfort and Companionship to Veterans Living in Long-Term Care
Centers Across the U.S.
FALLS
CHURCH, Va., July 18,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Capital Caring
Health, part of the nation's largest not-for-profit advanced
illness care and hospice provider—Chapters Health System, and
Ageless Innovation, the makers of the award-winning Joy for All™
Companion Pets, are distributing companion pets to Veterans with
dementia, and those suffering from feelings of social isolation and
loneliness as part of their innovative "Pets for Vets" program.
"Veterans and their families have access to
many support services, but most of these do not provide for the
evidence-based and lasting joy to Veterans similar to the robotic
companion pets."
Beginning in 2021, Capital Caring Health has been partnering
with Ageless Innovation, the pet manufacturer, to provide Joy for
All Companion Pets to Veterans in Capital Caring Health's service
area in Washington, D.C.,
Virginia, Maryland, and nationwide. To date, Capital
Caring Health's "Pets for Vets" program has distributed more than
3,000 robotic companion pets – which provide joy, companionship,
emotional support, and more to Veterans, will expand to deliver
1,000+ companion pets to Veterans living in Long-Term Care Centers
across the nation.
There are 171 Long-Term Care Centers throughout the United States; these imperative homes
provide a comfortable environment and extensive care for vulnerable
Veterans across the United States.
Of those living in Long-Term Care Centers, more than fifty percent
have a diagnosis of dementia and/or experience feelings of social
isolation and loneliness. This revolutionary initiative aims to
combat said challenges via the distribution of care packages of
Companion Pets to those impacted.
Thanks to a generous bequest from Mary
Stowe Boyd to Capital Caring Health, six robotic pets, three
dogs and three cats, will be distributed to each of the 171
state-administered Long-Term Care Centers for Veterans.
Joy for All™ Companion Pets from Ageless Innovation 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, these companions
offer a unique and interactive experience, providing emotional
support and comfort to individuals who may be unable to care for
live pets. More than a dozen clinical studies from AARP,
UnitedHealthcare, and other trusted sources have shown that they
have the ability to enhance the lives of older adults living with
social isolation, loneliness, and forms of cognitive decline
including Alzheimer's and dementia. The pets, through many clinical
studies and first-hand experience at Capital Caring Health, are
proven to improve the quality of life of Veterans and others
suffering from dementia and loneliness.
Capital Caring Health's "Pets for Vets" program has recognized
that Veterans, as well as older adults in general, can be
positively impacted by Joy for All™ Companion Pets. Through the
significant distribution of Companion Pets through Capital Caring
Health's "Pets for Vets" program, Capital Caring Health Care Teams
have routinely heard and seen how life-changing these Companion
Pets can be for the recipient and their caretakers.
"Veterans and their families have access to many support
services, but most of these do not provide for the evidence-based
and lasting joy to Veterans similar to the robotic companion pets,"
said Steve Cone, Chief Philanthropy
Officer, Capital Caring Health.
Both Capital Caring Health and Ageless Innovation have
considerable passion and experience in serving Veterans. Capital
Caring Health has served thousands of Veterans in the Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia region through its hospice and
palliative care programs. Ageless Innovation has worked with dozens
of VA Medical Centers across the country, providing Joy for All™
Companion Pets to Veterans.
"At Ageless Innovation, our meaningful partnership with Capital
Caring Health allows us to reach a remarkable group of individuals
that are deserving of comfort, and companionship," said
Jim Murphy, SVP of Healthcare at
Ageless Innovation. "The impact of the "Pets for Vets" program thus
far has been vast, and we're confident that the delivery of even
more companion pets will only further that impact among Veterans
across the nation."
Capital Caring Health and Ageless Innovation are dedicated to
enriching the lives of Veterans with dementia, social isolation,
and loneliness through the ongoing distribution of Joy for All™
Companion Pets. For additional information, visit CapitalCaring.org
and AgelessInnovation.com.
About Capital Caring Health
Capital Caring Health is a not-for-profit, community-based
organization founded in the nation's capital in 1977. Capital
Caring Health is one of the most experienced and respected
providers in the nation of advanced illness, hospice, and elder
care, including primary care at home. Our care for children with
life–limiting disease is the largest on the East Coast. Additional
services focus on the special care needs of Veterans and those with
heart failure and end-stage lung disease. More than $3 million annually funds care for those who lack
coverage or the necessary financial resources for services. Over
the years, Capital Caring Health has provided hospice, palliative
care, and counseling to nearly 120,000 patients and their families
through our regional neighborhood network across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
About Ageless Innovation
Ageless Innovation is a global company devoted to developing fun
and engaging products for older adults. Beginning with the
award-winning line of Joy for All Companion Pets, Ageless
Innovation is focused on creating products that promote fun, joy
and play while reducing the cost of care and creating meaningful
connections for older adults, their families, and caregivers. For
more information, visit www.joyforall.com.
Media Contact
Polly Hersey, Litzky PR, 1
207-692-6561, phersey@litzkypr.com
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SOURCE Capital Caring Health