Growing demand for Pet Friendly Aged Care reflects that pets are helping the elderly to enjoy life more
As Australia’s older generation (those aged 65 and over) continues to increase, the ageing of the population creates both pressures and opportunities for Australia’s health and welfare sectors. Animals of all types have an essential role to play when it comes to enhancing the lives of Seniors and comforting loved ones with memory issues.
Assistance for Pet Owning Seniors with Mobility issues
Pet Owning Seniors with restricted mobility don’t have to miss out on the joys of pet ownership. National Pet Care Service, PetCloud, has police checked, insured and trained Carers in Animal Care across every State in Australia who are booked for a fee to assist Seniors with daily walking or maintenance of their pet. PetCloud is also NDIS Registered for pet owning Participants who wish to book certain fully funded assistance services.
PetCloud’s services include: Pet Sitting during Respite or Hospital Treatment, Dog Walking, Day Care, House Sitting, Home Visits, Pet Taxis, Grooming and Clipping, Washing and Brushing, Dog Training, 24hr Supervision for special needs pets.
Benefits that Pets bring to Aged Care Residents
Increased Happiness
Studies show that just 15 minutes with a dog can increase brain activity and serotonin levels in seniors. Serotonin (the happy hormone) plays a crucial role in bodily function as well as our experiences of positive emotions.
Triggering of Happy Memories
Cats, miniature horses, and even chickens are coming to the aid of memory care patients across Australia. In senior living facilities, smaller breeds are welcomed by seniors at all levels of dementia care. These portable pets wear a handbag-like harness with handles and are trained to sit patiently on laps and provide affection and company for their clients. A visit from a therapy dog can brighten the day of a lonely senior, trigger a memory of a treasured pet or merely provide much-needed companionship for housebound patients.
Increased Mobility
Mobility can become an issue for people as they age. As joints become stiffer or painful, older people may end up getting less and less exercise. Less exercise can make stiff joints even stiffer, and can have a detrimental effect on overall health.
Motivating seniors to get out more is easier when they take a dog as a pet. Dogs are ideal companions for elderly people. They are relatively easy to look after, and their natural affection for their owners is great for boosting the spirits. People who may be reluctant to undertake physical exercise just to benefit themselves will often adopt a different approach when they have a dog that needs to be exercised.
Increased Connections & Less Isolation
Another issue related to reduced mobility is isolation. When elderly people tend to stay at home rather than get outdoors, their interaction with other people is greatly reduced. This lack of human contact can lead to loneliness and depression.
Seniors look forward to taking their dog out, which benefits them as well as the dog. Walking a dog is also a great way to strike up new friendships and make new acquaintances. If you have an elderly relative that you feel would benefit from getting out more, you could discuss with them the option of getting a dog. Before getting a dog, it is important to discuss the pros and cons with your relative, and to make sure he or she is reasonably happy to give dog ownership a try.
Increased Sleep and Sense of Security
Even if an elderly person’s mobility is too restricted to take a dog walking, the other benefits of having a pet dog can be life-changing. Elderly people can feel vulnerable at nights when living alone. Having a dog improves their sense of security. Looking after their dog can restore meaning to their lives.
Choosing the right dog
Not every dog will make a suitable pet for an elderly owner. Young dogs may be too lively and excitable to look after a person with restricted mobility. A dog that is big and strong could prove too much of a handful for an older person, and could even cause injury to its owner if it pulls on its leash.
A dog that has a well-balanced temperament and is not too big is the ideal choice. The dog should be house-trained and neutered. It should also be well trained to respond to spoken commands.
If you think your elderly relative would benefit by having a dog, check out local rescue centres. You may be able to get a dog for your relative for a trial period. That is a great way of ensuring that your relative and the dog will be compatible with each other before they are committed to keeping the dog permanently.
Owning a pet can give an elderly person a new lease of life. Having a pet dog can bring happiness and companionship, while encouraging the elderly person to be more active.
