The role of pets in the lives
of the aged is particularly significant for those who live in a nursing home or
in some situation of assisted care. Numerous studies show pets provide one of
the few interventions capable of permanently lifting the atmosphere of hospices
and nursing homes.
Despite all this evidence, many nursing homes still do not allow pets, and fear of giving up their animal companion is a serious concern for many in the community.
For older people still living in their own home, pet ownership has many benefits including social facilitation and companionship as well as increased activity levels.
Research indicates that people over the age of 65 are the least likely age group in the community to own a pet. Yet, in many ways they are the age group that has the most to gain from pet ownership. Better solutions are needed to ensure older people can enjoy the many benefits pets provide.
"Pets
and the Elderly - How do companion dogs improve the lives of the elderly?" -
a research summary prepared by Petcare Information & Advisory Service
Never fear - help is out there!
If you (or someone you know) are thinking of moving to
a retirement village, independent living unit, hostel or nursing home and
are worried about being parted from your pet, don't despair:
Ask if you can take
your pet with you
Aged care operators are recognizing the benefits of
pets, with some allowing owners to take their pets with them. There will be
rules and some pets are not appropriate in some circumstances.
If you have more than one pet, you could ask if you can
bring more than one. You may also want to ask whether you may get another pet
if your current pet passes away. Useful information about aged care
accommodation that allows pets can be found in DPS guides or see contacts
below.
Tell them how
important your pet is to you
When making enquiries, be ready to explain the benefits
owning your pet has for you. Give accurate information about your pet(s)
including type, size, age, behaviour, whether desexed (vet certification is
probably required) and any vaccinations.
Consider options for
care
If you have to move and are unable to take your pet
with you, you do not have to euthanize your pet.
There are other options. Contact an animal shelter
(RSPCA: 02 6287 8100) or a local rescue
group (such as ARF: 0421 216 485).
They may be able to assist with rehoming advice. Alternatively, check online to
find out if your breed of dog has a special rescue group.
You are not alone
If you are likely to experience the loss of a pet, or
have to part with one, your vet can discuss the issues with you before this
happens. If required, Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14.
These are useful contacts for aged care organisations (in Australia) that offer some pet-friendly options:
- Anglicare: 1800 457 255
- BUPA Aged Care: 1300 302 350
- Calvary Retirement Community: 02 6464 7400
- EdeninOZNZ: 03 8819 4732
- Freedom Aged Care: 1800 994 763
- Lend Lease Aged Care: 02 6257 8798
- Stockland Retirement Living: 1800 72 71 70
Alex & Barney find suitable retirement home through daughter's doggedness!
The problem of finding
Alex a home was complicated by his initial reluctance to leave his unit and the
fear that he might have to give up his pet dog, Barney, a six-year-old Jack
Russell-cross.
Finding a suitable aged-care home for Alex & his dog, Barney required luck, determination and doggedness by his family but they got there in the end...
pet are same like a family member and they also want to love and care them. Retirement Villages Adelaide is the best Retirement Assisted Living package and Retirement facility in Retirement Villages south Australia. We are largest providers of quality lifestyle.
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