Paws for Seniors

Link to news interview here: https://youtu.be/Ak_TBoSW6Uw

Many patients are separated from their pawed companions due to disease, disability, and aging. This creates a void, a missing piece, a sadness. These disparities could make the road to recovery feel more like an impossible journey. Paws for Seniors exist to bring enrichment and purpose through meaningful activities to increase the quality of life for patients.

Paws for Seniors is an innovative program that is unmatched by its beneficence not only to our patients but to our community. The goals of Paws for Seniors promote feelings of independence, success, and a sense of duty. This motivates patients to participate in skilled medical intervention which may increase their overall quality of life.

My name Is Timothy J. Hill. Thank you so much for taking an interest in my "Paws for Seniors" program! My mission in life is to be a force of positive change in my community by being in the service of others. I am a Marine Corps Veteran who served on active duty. Once I was discharged from service, I utilized my GI Bill to attend Keiser University in Jacksonville Florida. I earned an A.S. Degree and became a Certified/Licensed Occupational Therapist Assistant. My Occupational Therapy education allows me to develop, improvise, or create ways to increase the quality of life for my patients.

This program has made an immeasurable impact on the patients in my facility, and soon the rest of the First Coast. I intend to expand Paws for Seniors to others in the First Coast by traveling to other hospitals, care facilities, and group homes.

I am currently seeking support to expand my education by enrolling in the Animal-Assisted Interventions & Interactions Certificate Program offered at the University of North Florida (UNF). Secondly, I’m seeking support to obtain a vehicle that is capable of transporting kennels, supplies, and animals so I may visit other facilities with Paws for Seniors. Supporting the program does not always require a monetary contribution. I would gladly welcome an email with words of encouragement, suggestions, ideas, or just a chat. If you feel that the program has earned a donation, I thank you wholeheartedly for your support. I thank you for taking the time to read about the program and my story. I will continue to be a force of positive change in my community, A motivator, an innovator, and a leader.

Semper Fidelis,

Timothy J. Hill COTA/L