MATCH UP's PetPals Program

The PetPals program began as a pilot program in the spring of 2003 and brings volunteers and their dogs to visit elderly, infirm and disabled adults living in long-term care facilities to reduce loneliness and isolation by providing social interaction among the residents. The presence of an animal has a unique healing and transforming power for people in long-term care facilities and has been shown by research to bring many concrete benefits to these residents. In this pilot program MATCH-UP now has sixteen active volunteer/dog teams visiting and interacting with over 350 elders in eleven Greater Boston long-term care facilities every week or every other week.

PetPals has been a "win-win" situation. Staff members at the long-term care facilities are thrilled by the responses of residents. Visits with a dog are bringing increased social interaction including more conversation, greater focus, increased mobility and sensory pleasure to many of the residents, some of whom are extremely isolated, confused or depressed. The volunteers are equally as excited about their experiences, reporting that their dogs seem to thrive on the social interaction and attention, and look forward to the visits. They noticed the impact their companion pet has on the residents and are finding this to be a rewarding experience for both dog and human.

The Pet Pals program is sponsored by MATCH-UP Interfaith Volunteers, Inc. (MATCH-UP) was established as an independent non-profit organization in 1991 to meet the needs of isolated elders and disabled adults. MATCH-UP's mission is to reduce social isolation, to enhance quality of life and to promote and preserve the dignity of older and disabled adults in the Greater Boston area through the dedicated efforts of a network of trained volunteers who provide friendship, advocacy, education, assistance, and emotional support.

For further information about MATCH-UP Interfaith Volunteers or the PetPals Program please call Ellen at 617-482-1510 or visit http://www.matchelder.org