Pet therapy playing a positive role in caring for elderly
INITIATIVE BOOSTS WELLBEING
Eric the dog during a visit to a care home
RABBITS, dogs, cats and even ponies are all being made welcome at residential and dementia care homes, with the benefits to residents plain for all to see.
The care homes, Cramlington House in Northumberland and West Farm Care Centre in North Tyneside, are owned and managed by Craig Healthcare and focus on providing personalised care – with animals playing a key part in this.
Residents have a range of different needs and activity programmes – including animalassisted initiatives which demonstrate the positive role animal therapy has in elderly care.
Lucy Craig, managing director at Craig Healthcare, said: “Animals play such an important part in residents’ lives day in, day out. At Cramlington House, we have our resident pet rabbits, Jack and Irene, who make such a positive impact on residents.
“One resident has responded incredibly well to the rabbits, developing a close bond with them and spending time caring for them, which has genuinely made him more relaxed and happier.
“In another example, a resident’s wife recently bought a puppy as she felt lonely following her husband’s move into Cramlington House. Oscar has not only provided great company to the spouse outside of the home, but he is also often at the home, visiting the resident and spending time with us all, sometimes getting up to mischief in the office!
“This has greatly helped the resident settle in well and continue his close relationship with his wife. Oscar is always such a joy to be around!”
Research shows that regular interaction with animals can improve the wellbeing of care home residents – both physical and mental. For example, interacting with animals can help in lowering blood pressure, relieving pain, reducing anxiety and help engage residents in therapeutic activities such as feeding, grooming and stroking.
Evidence shows that even the most solitary and sedentary residents have shown distinct improvements during the time specific pets have been present.
“We also have regular visits from local specialist businesses who bring in cats and dogs but also some non-traditional animals such as lizards, snakes and spiders,” Lucy added.
“We’ve found interaction with a range of animals massively boosts the confidence, self-esteem and social skills of our residents and, of course, brings a smile to everyone’s face. It really is wonderful to see, and the benefits it brings to the residents last long after the animals have left.”
Local businesses involved include Wag and Co, who bring several canine friends with them to interact with residents at Cramlington House every Thursday. West Farm also receive a weekly visit from the local veterinary surgery, Metrovets.
Veterinary nurse Ginny Burn brings her own dog, Archie into the home to meet and greet those living there.
Craig Healthcare has also arranged for some mini-ponies to come and meet residents on Monday, February 18, an event which family and friends of residents, and other from within the local community, are invited to attend.
Lucy said: “It’s vital residents get to interact with a wide range of animals so that they can benefit from the many positives of animalassisted therapy.
“In fact, a resident who was socially isolated because she didn’t want to leave her room and interact with other residents, has just purchased two budgies, Bluie and Greenie, who live with her in her room at West Farm, keeping her company and helping to boost her overall wellbeing.”