Molly and Leo, two cats aged 8 and 5 years old respectively, have changed the life of the community of Gallazzi Vismara Retirement Home in Arese, in the province of Milan. They were introduced on a trial basis to support educators and staff, particularly those working with Alzheimer's patients at the nursing home, but they quickly became the patients' lifelong companions. Some of them appeared calmer and more serene: for example, a cat slept on a patient's bed after just three days, and another elderly woman reacted affectionately after a period of emotional withdrawal.
Even simple moments of emotional contact with Molly and Leo are enough to bring a smile to the RSA residents' faces, to ignite the desire to talk and communicate, to recall many memories and episodes of their lives. And according to the project's promoters, the animals' presence has helped reduce residents' stress and anxiety, in line with the benefits reported in the literature onpet therapy.
Image source: Legnano news
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