Regardless of your age, animals provide a sense of joy and companionship. For older Australians, the benefits of interacting with animals are especially significant. However, caring for animals can take a lot of commitment and responsibility. Therefore, many older residents in aged care may no longer have the capacity to own a pet.

It is estimated that only 18 percent of aged care facilities allow residents to have a pet, despite 64 percent of Australian households owning a pet.

So, what are the benefits of animals for aged care residents, and what are some of the ways we can harness them?

The benefits of animals for aged care residents

Animals provide many benefits to aged-care residents, including:

-Reducing boredom
-Helping control cholesterol and blood pressure
-Increasing willingness to join in activities
-Increasing self-esteem
-Increasing mobility and exercise
-Decreasing loneliness and isolation
-Improving motor skills and joint movement
-Alleviating pain and reducing stress

Aged care facilities are increasingly recognising these benefits and providing residents with opportunities to interact with animals.

Lifeview Aged Care, which operates three aged care homes in Melbourne, allows residents to have pets under strict conditions. For example, pets are not allowed in dining areas and must be immunised and examined by a vet before they move in. Cats must not leave the resident’s rooms, while dogs must be on leads when being walked around the facility. In addition, the resident and their family are responsible for cleaning, grooming and feeding the pet. There is an agreement in place that family members will care for the animal if the resident is no longer able. Being able to take their pets with them can make older Australians more likely to consider moving into aged care.

However, in many cases, it is not feasible or practical for aged care homes to allow residents their own pets. As an alternative, some aged care homes facilitate communal animals, which are shared between residents. These are cared for by residents with assistance from staff members.

Some facilities allow resident’s pets, being cared for by family members, to be brought in for visits on a regular basis.
Alternatively, some aged care facilities offer animal therapy programs.

For example, the Caring Canine Companions program runs in several regional South Australian aged care facilities.

Under the program, which started fifteen years ago, volunteers visit aged care homes with up to six dogs at a time. The group visits different aged care facilities in the region multiple times a month.
Those who volunteer on the program can clearly see the impact it has on the residents. Renmark Nursing Home Lifestyle Assistant Sarah Peckover was initially responsible for organising the program. In an interview with the ABC, she described seeing first-hand the positive impact interacting with dogs had on an elderly dementia patient.

“When he sees the dogs, he comes out of himself, and he interacts,” she said.

“He comes alive, becomes more animated, smiles and becomes a different person.”

Some aged care facilities offer pet therapy to assist aged care residents recover from health problems and disorders.

Animals can play a crucial role in helping older Australians age well and remain active for longer.

Are you looking for a career in aged care? Aged Care Resumes is pleased to offer various services, including a resume and selection criteria writing service tailored specifically for the aged care industry, to help you stand out in your job application.

References

Arminini, E (10 July 2024) ‘Dogs connect with Riverland nursing home residents through Caring Canine Companions program’, ABC News, accessed 24 September 2024.

Cunningham, M (11 February 2023) ‘Old people’s home for … dogs? The aged care centre where pets are a perfect fit’, Sydney Morning Herald, accessed 24 September 2024.

National Seniors Australia (20 July 2023) ‘Pets in aged care – do’s and don’ts’ National Seniors Australia, accessed 24 September 2024.

St Vincent’s Care News (n.d.) ‘Why animals in aged care make all the difference‘, St Vincent’s Care News, accessed 24 September 2024.