Florida’s  Department of Elder Affairs has a new program that aids that assists the elderly with dementia who live at home. With the help of a donation made by the Florida Alzheimer’s Association, families can now ask for a JoyForAll robotic therapy pet or an MP3 filled with different music genres. They can choose between the two options and because they are gifts, these donations do not need to be returned. The program is available to any Floridian elders living at home. There is no requirement for a medical dementia diagnosis.

Unfortunately, a countless number of our elders are alone and without social contact, more so now than before. The elders suffering from dementia have it worse. For some clients, their Assisting Hands caregiver may be the only contact they have due to social distancing rules. The music player or the therapy pet may assuage the elders with their solitude. If you are unfamiliar with the pets, the JoyForAll website shows you what they look like. Usually, the therapy pets cost over $100, but they are free with this special offer.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, several of our clients ordered their pets and the results were fantastic!  The clients that were suffering from dementia have shown increased participation and joy from having these pets.

If you know an elder who would enjoy and be helped by these pets, you may contact directly the Livable Florida Website at http://elderaffairs.org/doea/livable_communities.php. Once on the site, you will see the request to pick between a dog, a cat, or an MP3 music player. All of these options come with Spanish and English instructions.

It is a first-come, first-served service because the supplies are limited. If Assisting Hands can help you, please call 561-829-3080.

If you are considering hiring dementia care services, call Assisting Hands Home Care at 561-829-3080. We serve everyone from Boynton Beach to Tequesta, as well as Palm Beach Island to Wellington.