Rufty-Holmes Senior Center handed out Companion Pets to area older adults in May.

The cats and dogs are not real, but are created using interactive technology to simulate life-like movements and sounds. These companion pets are designed to bring comfort, companionship and fun to older adults. The pets help combat anxiety and agitation, stimulate senses, ease social isolation and offer comfort for those with dementia.

The pets were purchased by Centralina Area Agency on Aging through the NC Family Caregiver Support Program. Rufty-Holmes Senior Center administers the Family Caregiver Support Program for Rowan County and handed out approximately 25 pets to area older adults. Trinity Living Center assisted in distributing the Pets to older adults who visit Trinity Living Center.

The Companion Pet was developed by Ageless Innovations.

For more information on Companion Pets or to learn how the Family Caregiver Support Program can assist you in caring for an older adult at home, contact Amanda Swanger, aging transitions manager at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center at 704-216-7704 or information@ruftyholmes.org .