Residential dog helps with memory care

Cappella of Grand Junction is not only an assisted living community, but they also focus on memory care.

One resident is making a big difference in helping to restore once-forgotten memories.

Rez is a rescue dog who roams the hallways of Cappella, helping residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia feel at home and ease side effects.

“I think she provides a service for them that touches a memory," says Joni Karp, Rez's owner. "Because everybody, mostly everybody, has had a dog.”

A recent study shows that the presence of pets can lower anxiety, provide comfort and reduce loneliness.

In some cases, it can even reduce the number of medications some people need.