RESIDENTS of a care home in Ashton-under-Lyne are purring with joy at the arrival of a new furry friend.
For Moss Cottage Residential Home now has a new robotic cat companion.
Two years ago, the home on Manchester Road received a robotic cat from Tameside Rotary as part of its ‘30 cats for 30 homes in 30 weeks’ initiative.
The original furry companion has since gone ‘walkabout’ and is sorely missed by residents.
So meowing over the paws-ibilities for a replacement, Moss Cottage’s new Activities Co-ordinator, Jillian, got in touch with the kind-hearted Rotarians, who did not need much purr-suading to use some of their charity funds to supply another.
“These life-like robotic cat companions are increasingly recognised for their therapeutic value,” explained Tameside Rotary’s President, Manhar Taylor.
“With realistic fur and inbuilt sensors, they respond to hugging and motion, purr, meow, move and stretch. For residents with dementia, they help improve quality of life by alleviating stress, anxiety and loneliness.
“We are delighted that we could help Moss Cottage on this occasion and now look forward to hearing the result of the ‘naming’ competition Jillian has planned with the residents.”
Moss Cottage is a small residential home with 34 beds, providing a homely atmosphere for residents – many of whom are living with dementia and some do not have any family living nearby.
Jillian recently organised a small Autumn Fair at the home, which raised £120, and she has high hopes of holding a Christmas Fair in early December.
Anyone who can donate raffle prizes, personal hygiene items or drop off chocolates and selection boxes for residents is asked to contact Jillian by emailing mosscottageactivities1@gmail.com