programs. Specially trained pets are brought in to interact with the Senior participants. Locally, the Office for Aging has sponsored an animatronic pet distribution program for Seniors with dementia or cognitive impairments. Lifelike cats or puppies that meow, move, or bark, are provided at no cost to the Senior. The animatronic pet provides the opportunity to hold and interact with a “pet.” Adopting and caring for robotic pets results in benefits similar to those provided by real pets. For additional information on this program contact Pat Avery, Caregiver Resource Center at 845292-6180, ext.122. or the Sullivan County Office for Aging at 845-807-0241. (Animatronic pets are distributed as available.)
Source: “Seniors and Pets,” AginginPlace.org. July 18, 2022. Accessed July 20, 2022. https://aginginplace.org/seniors-andpets/. Takahashi, Linda. “Best Robot Pets for Dementia for 2022,” robotpetfriends. com. March 18, 2022. Accessed July 20, 2022. https://www.robotpetfriends.com/ best-robot-pets-for-dementia/. Ballinger, Barbara. “The Healing Power of Pets for Seniors,” AgingCare.com. July 18, 2022. Accessed July 20, 2022. https:// www.agingcare.com/Articles/benefitsof-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm.
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Sullivan Launches 988 Suicide and Crisis Line For those experiencing a mental health crisis, or having thoughts of suicide, help is now available 24/7/365 by dialing 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and its chatbased counterpart, www.988lifeline.org, will be able to: • Connect people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis to a trained counselor who can address their immediate needs and help connect them to ongoing care. • Reduce health care spending with more costeffective early intervention. • Reduce use of law enforcement, public health, and other safety resources. • Meet the growing need for crisis intervention. • Help end stigma toward those seeking or accessing mental healthcare. The 988 Lifeline is now available across NYS and offers a critical link to mental health and substance use services. Public Safety Commissioner Tom Farney notes “People should also continue to feel welcome to call 911 if a lifethreatening emergency is at hand.” Extension Connection
August 2022
