Cold noses a key to warmth in dementia care

When your chief of security is a cat, it’s safe to say your company has a thing for animals. 

“Dennis lives at our office and has for 13 years,” said Micala Gingrich-Gaylord, CEO of ComfortCare Homes. “We’re pet people and not just for the cold noses.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the science behind pet therapy is indisputable. Those living with a dementia diagnosis, on average, fare better and have more fulfilling, joyful experiences when pets are part of their lives.

“We have quite the lineup of animal companions at our resident homes,” Gingrich-Gaylord said. “They’ve built bonds with our residents over the years and continue to do so. It’s incredible to watch.”

The dementia care company, an area mainstay since 1993, even keeps a “resident file” on each of the animals.  

“They’re family, just like our residents,” she pointed out.

Whether it’s Stormy, who spent five years with a resident prior to their passing; or Mama Cat, who sleeps in a resident’s bed full time, the dementia care homes owned and operated by ComfortCare are full of the kind of warmth only animals can create.

“There’s a comfort they provide that’s backed by science, of course, but you don’t need to be a scientist to experience it,” Gingrich-Gaylord pointed out. “It’s an essential element of our culture.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the presence of domestic animals in care settings has been shown to improve mood and facilitate social interaction. It can also have a calming effect that helps with dementia-related behavioral problems and increase physical activity in people living with dementia.