MIAMI – The Medtrade Spring New Product Pavilion Providers’ Choice Gold Award Winner, sponsored by HomeCare Magazine, made news when Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs gave out the award-winning therapeutic robotic pets to socially isolated older people. According to articles in the Miami Herald and on CNN.com, the agency gave out 375 therapeutic pets, designed to foster a touch of whimsy and companionship during lonely times.

According to Tom Canterino, co-founder and vice president of Business Development and B2B Sales at Joy for All Companion Pets from Ageless Innovation LLC, the products are designed to create meaningful connections through play, joy, and happiness—improving the quality of life among older adults, their families, and caregivers.

“Our Joy for All Companion Pets are lifelike, animatronic pets uniquely designed to provide meaningful experiences for aging loved ones and their families,” says Canterino, pictured here with Mark Lind, show director, Medtrade Spring and Medtrade. “Developed with extensive input from older adults, Joy for All Companion pets look, sound, and feel like real pets—without the responsibilities of pet ownership.”

“We know social isolation disproportionately affects older adults, and COVID-19 has required people with dementia and their caregivers to remain alone for extended periods of time,” Department of Elder Affairs secretary Richard Produm said in a statement. “We look forward to delivering these therapeutic robotic pets to those who will benefit from their companionship.”