Pets help combat loneliness at Salvation Army Aged Care Plus centres
Cairns Aged Care Plus centre resident feeding the goats. (Photo: Shairon Paterson)
Research shows that around one-third of Australians suffer lonely and that the elderly are at even greater risk. To help combat loneliness among its residents, The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus has enlisted the help of companion animals.
At The Cairns Aged Care Plus centre in Brisbane, a hobby farm with five goats is an integral part of the community.
“The residents and staff love them and feed them so much that they [the goats] now refuse to eat the grass growing in the paddock and we have to mow the hill with machinery,” says The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus chief operating officer, Maryann Curry.
At Macquarie Lodge in Sydney’s inner-west, a frisky short-haired Chihuahua named Bella plays companion to 139 residents.
“Although Bella is only a tiny dog, she plays a big role at Macquarie Lodge,” says centre manager, Maryanne Gray.
“She spends her days visiting the residents, attending board game activities, bus trips and keeping residents company at the hairdressers. Bella is nursed by a lot of the people here, it’s good therapy.”
Since welcoming pets into Aged Care Plus centres, staff members have found that giving residents an opportunity to interact with animals brings about a significant improvement in their quality of life and general well-being.
“We have no doubt of the positive effect the goat farm has on residents,” says The Cairns centre director of mission and strategic manager, Major Steven O’Neill.
“I think it adds something to the family experience of visiting a nursing home as well. It is a positive experience for the grandkids and can be a wonderful discussion starter between the different generations.”
The Australian Housing research shows that the number one reason Australians don’t have a pet is because of housing restraints. Maryann Curry says Aged Care Plus strives to create a homely environment for its residents, and part of that is allowing pets that all residents can enjoy.
“There is considerable evidence to show that companion animals can be highly beneficial,” she says. “And we see that on a daily basis in our centres – the way the residents’ faces light up when they pat one of our dogs or cats, it’s beautiful to watch.”
Aged Care Plus keeps 36 animals across its 17 centres. These range from the goats at The Cairns centre, to dogs, cats and birds. There are also several centres with fish ponds and tanks.
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