FriendshipWorks Brings Volunteers and their Pets Together with Elders in the Community

(September 2, 2015) Boston, MA – FriendshipWorks, a network of trained volunteers that provides support and assistance to elders in Boston and Brookline, is recruiting volunteers for its PetPals program. The PetPals program matches elders living in long-term care facilities with volunteers who have a cat or dog who can accompany them on visits. Numerous studies have shown that pet visitation programs increase social interaction among nursing home residents, reduce agitation in Alzheimer’s patients, and ease the pervasive loneliness that often occurs in long-term care facilities. Many elders face loneliness every day and a visit from a friendly volunteer and their pet can have a profound impact on their lives.

“Our mission at FriendshipWorks would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers who are making a real difference in the lives of the elders they are helping to support” said Janet Seckel-Cerrotti, Executive Director of FriendshipWorks. “Our volunteers have joined us in our pledge to make a difference each day in the life of an elder in our community – match-by-match, one-by-one, until we end elder isolation.”

Research shows that being socially isolated is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is twice as harmful as obesity. It is FriendshipWorks’ ongoing mission to reduce social isolation among seniors and replace it with the warmth and comfort that only a caring and dedicated friend can provide, and that friend can also be a pet.

“It is amazing to see how a visit from a volunteer, and their pet, can make a difference in the life of one of our elders,” said Ellen Kirchheimer, the PetPals Program Director. “It is such a positive experience for everyone involved. The elders receiving the visit are always happy for the visit and companionship, the pets love all of the attention, and our volunteers are able to see the happiness their beloved pets bring to others.”

PetPals pets are carefully screened for temperament and reaction to stressors by a veterinary behaviorist. Owners and pets are also trained on how to interact with residents to ensure the best possible experience for both the people as well as the animal volunteers.

“I have a heartwarming experience every time I visit with my Golden Retreiver, May,” said Michelle Reinstein, a volunteer for FriendshipWorks. “I visit a 102 year-old woman who lights up every time my dog May comes in for a visit. It is amazing to see her connect and react in such a positive way, May has brought out a side of her no-one had seen before – she spoke for the first time at a recent visit, surprising everyone. It is truly remarkable to see what a great impact a visit can have on their quality of life.”

There are a number of other ways to be involved with FriendshipWorks. Friendly Visiting involves visiting elders in their homes to provide companionship and assist with simple household tasks or errands; Medical Escort Volunteers accompany elders to medical appointments; and Friendly Helpers provide short-term assistance to community elders when they need a little help such as clothes shopping, picking up prescriptions, or running errands.

For more information on FriendshipWorks PetPals program and to find out how you can make a difference in someone’s life, visit www.fw4elders.org/petpals or call 617-482-1510.

About FriendshipWorks

FriendshipWorks (formerly MATCH-UP Interfaith Volunteers) is a network of trained volunteers that provide support and assistance to elders in Boston and Brookline. With 30 years of experience recruiting, training, and placing volunteers for this purpose, FriendshipWorks’ mission is to decrease the social isolation, enhance the quality of life, and preserve the dignity of elders. FriendshipWorks partners with congregations of all faiths to identify people who need assistance and find volunteers who share the organization’s goal of helping a neighbor in need. FriendshipWorks cooperates and shares referrals with area hospitals, long-term care facilities, health, government, and human service agencies. www.fw4elders.org