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C-VILLE’s Monthly Guide to Navigating Senior Living Options in Central Virginia
Our staff can assist in answering your questions about: Home delivered meals Affordable senior housing options Adult care centers Home care Medicare and ACA counseling Caregiver support Many other resources in the community
Make JABA’S Senior Helpline your first call. (434) 817-5244
jabacares.org
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Jefferson Area Board for Aging
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There’s no place like home.
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can provide some of the same kind of benefits that proven animal-assisted therapy can, which include improvements in mood and the quality of life for seniors, including those with dementia. And it’s not just about helping those with dementia. It’s also about dealing with the problem of loneliness and isolation among older people. In April, 2020, after New York aging departments shut down their adult day programs due to the pandemic, the state placed a bulk order for more than a thousand robot cats and dogs. “The pets went quickly, and caseworkers started asking for more,” wrote Katie Engelhart in a recent story for the New Yorker, What Robots Can—and Can’t—Do for the Old
David McNair handles communications, media relations, and social media efforts for the Jefferson Area Board for Aging.
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Kelly Langan, JABA's Charlottesville Adult Care Center Activities Coordinator with Goldie the Dog and Fuzzy the Cat.
and Lonely. “...people liked the pets so much that the batteries ran out. Caseworkers joked that their clients had loved them to death.” A year later, New York had given out 2,260 robotic pets and was waiting on the delivery of a thousand more. Here in Charlottesville, the Jefferson Area Board for Aging’s Charlottesville and Louisa Adult Care Centers recently welcomed two robotic cats and dogs that were donated by VATS (Virginia Assistive Technology System) and The Department of Aging Rehabilitative Services. “We have two members in particular with dementia, who have responded positively to robotic pet therapy,” says Kelly Langan, JABA’s Charlottesville Adult Care Center Activities Coordinator. “Similarly, they both find comfort in cuddling and talking to the animals, and consider them to be living pets. This is no surprise, as the robots sound and move just like a real cat or dog. They roll over, bark, purr, turn their heads when spoken to, etc…” “Companies are investing more and more into developing robotic companions,” writes Engelhart, “a development that raises all sorts of interesting questions about human/ machine relationships and the future of caregiving for the elderly, especially in a country where almost thirty percent of Americans over sixty-five, mostly women, live alone.” Indeed, while robotic pets are in demand, robotic companions that can imitate human interaction have been in development for years. Deanna Dezern, an 88-year old woman who lives Florida, was given a robotic companion called ElliQ, which looks like a desk lamp, and can develop a “personality profile” through repeated interaction, a kind of advanced Siri or Alexa that can greet her unprompted in different ways, learn her sleep patterns, suggest activities that interest her, and provide personalized motivational suggestions using encouragements, even jokes. Developers say ElliQ will soon be able to remind people to take meds, monitor health symptoms, and point out health risks. “Deanna said the robot was good at making her smile,” wrote Engelhart. “Maybe that wasn’t intimacy, but it didn’t feel like solitude, either.” “And how do you wrap your head around the fact that she is, you know, a machine?” Engelhart asked. “My last husband was a robot, but he wasn’t as good as her,” Deanna said, with a thin smile. “I know she can’t feel emotions, but that’s O.K. I feel enough for the both of us.”
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When we complain, feel lonely, or are going through a hard time, it’s often said that all we really need is someone to listen to us, not try to fix things for us. Something like “I hear what you’re saying” or “I support you 100 percent” will often work wonders, despite how robotic the supportive listener might feel the offering to be. Well, then, what if an actual robot were offering this kind of emotional support? Could it be as effective as a human listener? Well, research suggests the answer is yes and no. While a robot can’t replace the direct attention of a family member or a good friend, researchers are finding that the rapidly evolving technology can help older adults with dementia or those experiencing loneliness and isolation. For instance, while they’re not mimicking human companionship, there’s a growing amount of research showing that robotic pets
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At Our Lady of Peace, the health and well-being of our residents remains—as always—our top priority. Welcoming new residents! Call today to learn more about the compassionate care, lovely apartments, wonderful amenities, and active, family-oriented lifestyle that makes our community one-of-a-kind. What Residents Are Saying “Here I feel safe, loved, respected, and not alone.” Barbara Allison, Our Lady of Peace Resident
Residential Living • Assisted Living Memory Care • Nursing Care
434-973-1155 our-lady-of-peace.com 751 Hillsdale Dr. | Charlottesville Coordinated Services Management, Inc. Professional Management of Retirement Communities Since 1981
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Charlottesville’s premium in-home care provider “We found Commonwise after struggling to find reliable care. We felt the difference immediately and they have provided a consistently high level of service ever since. Every caregiver has been delightful and professional.” To learn more about Commonwise, call 434-202-8565 or visit commonwisecare.com
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Margaret Resident with Anthology Senior Living of Charlottesville 1. Why did you choose Anthology? A: My grandson was doing work in the area where the building was being constructed. It prompted a conversation about moving closer to family. 2. What is your favorite activity or space at Anthology? A: All of the spaces on the first floor are wonderful. Currently, the Great Room with the piano and Christmas Tree is my favorite. 3. Favorite part of retiring in Anthology? A: There is joy in the free time to relax and socialize.
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4. How has living at Anthology made you more independent or increased your quality of life? A: The possibility of using exercise on a regular basis. I am looking forward to being able to move better with less effort. 5. What words of wisdom do you have? A: The importance of family and friends becomes more clear with age. We should try to enjoy each day given.
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