Pet Therapy in Aged Care

Pet therapy in aged care homes can have many benefits for residents, including providing companionship, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting socialisation and physical activity. Here are a few things to consider when introducing pet therapy in an aged care home:

Safety: The safety of both the residents and the animals must be a top priority. Pets should be well-trained and well-behaved, and any potential risks should be assessed before introducing them to the aged care home environment.
Training: The pets and their handlers should be properly trained and certified for pet therapy.
Types of Animals: Not all animals are suitable for pet therapy, common choices include dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
Screening: The aged care home should screen the residents to determine if they are suitable for pet therapy. Some residents may have allergies or phobias that would make pet therapy inappropriate.
Supervision: The pets should always be supervised by their handlers during visits to the aged care home.
Scheduling: It is important to schedule pet therapy visits during a time when residents are most alert and responsive.
Evaluation: The effectiveness of pet therapy should be evaluated regularly to ensure that it is providing benefits for the residents.
Staff Support: Make sure the staff is aware of the therapy and support them in their interactions with the animals and the residents.

Overall, Pet therapy can be a wonderful addition to an aged care home, but it should be implemented with care and with the well-being of both the residents and the animals in mind.

How can I find a residential aged care home near me?

Residential aged care homes are located throughout Australia. To begin your search, simply click on your state below and then enter in your desired suburb (or the name of the aged care provider if you already have a home in mind):

How can I find a residential aged care home near me?

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