The Purr-fect Companion – Meet Max the Cat

Domesticated over 12,000 years ago, cats have long history of being man’s companion and household helper. While their role may have started as mousers to root out rodents, today they’re a beloved member of many families and offer a bevy of benefits – especially to seniors. That’s why Max the Cat is the purr-fect resident of Almond Heights’ memory care neighborhood.

Max first moved to Almond Heights with his owner. His sweet demeanor and cuddly nature quickly won over the community’s Director of Connection for Living, Karen Huckabee. Karen would frequently find opportunities to visit with him and his owner. So, when the resident passed and family members couldn’t take him in, Karen had a solution. Almond Heights would adopt Max as the community cat. He moved into the memory care neighborhood and has been a beloved fixture ever since.

“He’s is a wonderful support to residents longing for love or company throughout the day,” said Director of Sales, Breanna Grindel. “He has a few residents he favors and follows around, but he loves to be pet and will accept treats from anyone who offers them.”

Many might view a cat as “just a pet” but the fact is cats can offer numerous health benefits. Seniors who live with cats feel mentally, emotionally and physically better. Caring for a cat helps seniors establish daily routines, provide mental stimulation and a sense of purpose. Studies have shown that cats can help seniors live longer, healthier lives. Caring for a cat can help seniors to get up and move each day. Plus, the companionship of a pet can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, relieve stress, and improve moods.

“Max is definitely the favorite feline here, but we’ve also seen residents experience similar benefits using our robotic dogs and cats from Joy for All Pets,” said Grindel.

Joy for All companion pets are designed to bring comfort, companionship and ease-of-care. These innovative robo-pets, help alleviate social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive decline by delivering comfort and joy. Each pet has a real-fur feel and calming heartbeat. Their built-in sensors respond to motion and touch, much like a real pet. These low-maintenance pets even include revolutionary Barkback and Vibrapurr Technology so they sound like real dogs and cats.

“Whether residents are enjoying cuddling with Max, or one of our other companion pets, we experienced increased meaningful interactions, improved communication with residents who are typically withdrawn, and a calming effect on those who feel anxious,” said Grindel.

“Max isn’t the only cat to make a difference in a community,” said Grindel. “Have you heard about Dewey the small-town cat? It’s an extraordinary story. We’d love to share it with you.”

“During the month of September, anyone who tours Almond Heights and mentions Max the Cat will receive a copy of “Dewey: the Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World” by Vicki Myron,” added Grindel.

Located in Orangevale, California, Almonds Heights offers Assisted Living and Memory Care senior living options, a host of amenities and services to enhance lifestyles and compassionate care. Almond Heights’ Connection for Living memory care program for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias?helps residents engage in daily tasks, reconnect with the present, enjoy past experiences, and encourage family connections. This spring, Almond Heights was named “Best of Assisted Living” and “Best of Memory Care” by U.S. News and World Report based on resident satisfaction surveys. The community is also a previous repeat winner of “Best of Orangevale” in the senior living category.

Almond Heights is an MBK Senior Living community, an award-winning leader and innovator in senior housing with a shared mission to nurture a culture of genuine care. MBK communities have been certified as a Great Place to Work??by the Great Place to Work Institute since 2018, and recently was ranked 11th?on Fortune magazine's list of “Best Workplaces for Aging Services” in 2022.

To schedule a private tour today, call (916) 542-7988 or visit us at AlmondHeights.com to learn more.