Stray Cat Sneaks Into Nursing Home – Instead Of Throwing Her Out The Staff Gives Her A Job

Oct 22, 2019 by apost team

Nursing homes are at the center of care for the elderly. Where once nursing homes mostly provided medical services to residents, nowadays, the staff at nursing homes are focused on giving their residents the emotional support to help them live their days out in peace and happiness. A nursing home in Ohio recently found an unlikely volunteer that has made their facility a true home and escape for its residents.

One day, a stray cat wandered into St. Augustine Health Ministries in Cleveland. The black and white kitty soon endeared herself to residents and staff alike at St. Augustine. The friendly little lady was eventually adopted by St. Augustine and named Oreo. Since becoming a resident of St. Augustine, Oreo has frequently been featured on the facility’s website and Facebook page as she captivates fans with her adventures and daily routine.

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Oreo’s presence at St. Augustine is positive for both the residents and employees, who take turns in petting and talking to their furry friend. Dana Carns, who works as St. Augustine’s director of advancement, says that Oreo helps make St. Augustine feel more like home. In an interview with Cleveland.com, Dana points out that most people grew up with pets and, thus, having Oreo there makes them feel less like they are living in a nursing facility and more like they are living at their home.

While growing old can sometimes be lonely, Oreo gives residents of St. Augustine a chance to leave their room and interact with people around the facility’s reception desk, which is sometimes manned by Oreo herself. Among the many cute photos of Oreo on St. Augustine’s Facebook page are her sitting with residents on a bench, keeping a wheelchair warm, and hanging out around the fireplace.

What do you think of how Oreo brightens the day for residents at St. Augustine Health Ministries? How do the pets in your home change your day and make your lives better?