Successful Companions

Lafmore

My sister has fairly advanced Alzheimer's and can't really do activities any more, so I'm always looking for things to stimulate her. A couple have been tremendously successful and I wanted to share so others might consider them for their loved ones. My sister has always had pets. Her cat died not too long before we moved her into an adult family home. I found a mechanical cat on www.alzstore.com. The cat moves, purrs, meows (although I turned that feature off since it was fake sounding and it also made my sister think something was wrong with the cat). My sister immediately loved the cat and named her Claire. She often pets and talks to the cat and says she loves Claire and Claire loves her. It is so wonderful to see her have this connection and feel affection. It's interesting to try and understand if she thinks the cat is real or not. Sometimes she's tried to feed it real food, but in the same visit might say that Claire's batteries are getting low. So, to her, it just doesn't matter. Sometimes she worried about needing to go to the store to get her food, but I diverted, saying the caregivers fed her in the mornings before they got my sister out of bed. So, for so little "challenge", the benefits have been really wonderful. 

Then recently I found another great "animal". This one is called a Purrble and I found it on Amazon (quite a bit cheaper than the cat). The Purrble was designed for kids with anxiety. It has a heartbeat and makes sounds. The idea is that in comforting the Purrble (its heartbeat slows as you pet and soothe it) the child also calms. The reviews were good enough that I decided to try one for my sister. She adores her Purrble!! It gives her the feeling of nurturing and I hope helps with her own anxiety. It makes adorable sounds that makes my sister happy. I love cuddling it myself!

So, if you have a loved one who loved pets or just enjoys animals, either of these are things might bring them some joy and connection. I know for my sister they've been an important point of contact and connection for her. 

dayn2nite2

The Purrble is adorable.  Might get one for myself for days when I’m frustrated, lol.

mommyandme (m&m)

Wish I would have purchased the purrble instead of the mechanical cat.  My mom finds the movement stressful, thinks the cat is going to fall or seize or something.  I can turn that function off but may have to introduce it again after the trauma wears off.  

Thank you for these suggestions!