Jimmy's PetPals

Jimmy’s PetPals is a companion pet program developed at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital to help patients with dementia have a better experience while hospitalized. The PetPals are Hasboro® “Joy for all Companion Pets;” life-like robotic dogs and cats that pant, bark, turn their heads, wag their tails, purr, meow, and roll over.” Any hospital staff member caring for a patient with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia who is agitated, combative or depressed can obtain a dog or cat companion pet to give to the patient in an effort to improve the patient and caregiver experience. Named in memory of the original patient, Jimmy’s PetPals have benefited 30 patients at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital so far. Clinicians and hospital staff have expressed that Jimmy’s PetPals has reduced the use of patient restraints and improve patients’ demeanors.