Pine View Good Samaritan Society in Valentine Nebraska provides skilled nursing and long-term care services to nearly 30 elderly community members within Cherry County. Many of the residents at Pine View suffer from some form of memory loss which may impact quality of life. Those living with memory loss may become easily agitated, extremely confused, or over-stimulated. Handling these behaviors can be difficult on care givers as well. The Valentine Rotary Club proposes to purchase animatronic pets as comfort companions for residents with memory loss. These pets serve as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for residents with behaviors that indicate frustration, anxiety, or depression. The pets act as a sensory item with soft fur, animated breathing, and encouraging noises such as panting or purring. The pets may soothe and comfort residents who are experiencing stress related to their memory loss. The use of these pets would improve quality of life for many of Pine View's residents. Club members will determine the number of animatronic pets that can be purchased, order them and deliver them to patients at the Pine View Good Samaritan Society nursing home.
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