The program was created by the health services director Rebecca Hamilton. In addition to caring for the elders, the woman also volunteers to foster felines. She noticed that taking care of cats was bringing her a lot of joy and happiness, and knew she had to share it with the seniors.
The initiative proved to be a success, as the overall condition of both the kittens and the elderly has improved. The elders were asked to take care of two newborn cats, Turtle and Peaches, and both of the kittens have doubled in weight. As for patients of the memory care facility, “The kittens have given us the opportunity to nurture this human condition that lies in each and every one of our residents,” says Mercer. The joy that the elderly get from bottle feeding, socializing, and cuddling needy newborns is immense -and the kittens feel grateful too.