Cover Story: Paws for thought

PAWS

The power of animal therapy has long been a popular option for occupational therapists to draw on in aged care. Hall & Prior are no stranger to the magical effects of introducing animals - whether the real thing or in toy form - and seeing the positive after effects of a cuddle or a pat. By Gabi Mills.

for thought

Just a cursory glance at some of the faces captured in the photographs which accompany this feature tell a happy story. At a recent recreation of Perth’s popular Royal Show at McDougall Park Aged Care Home, the residents were treated to a special chance to interact with all manner of furry friends, from guinea pigs to goats. A travelling animal farm brought along some very friendly visitors who spent time with their new best friends - the residents. Meanwhile in NSW, a very obliging pony went from resident to resident at Glenwood Aged Care Home, bringing a special kind of joy to all those who scratched his nose and patted his head. Friendly puppies are made a fuss of and animatronic pets are a popular addition to the daily routine for those who crave emotional connection with a puppy or cat on their lap. At McDougall Park’s recent Royal Show, many residents were encouraged by the home’s brilliant occupational therapists and other allied health staff to gently hold some of the smaller animals, to enjoy the feeling of a warm furry little body in their hands and also had the chance to pat some of the larger animals. Georgia Strimaitis, one of Hall & Prior’s occupational therapists (OT) said the almost miraculous effect spending time with docile animals has on residents is no surprise. “From an OT perspective, animal therapy has really big, positive impacts on the mood and well-being of our residents,” says Georgia. “I’ve used real animals, animatronic animals and stuffed toys, and they all elicit a very real response. Quite often, a resident who was very agitated and/or does not usually speak will immediately calm down when the animal is placed on their lap, and they will begin to pet it, cuddle it and talk to it.” Even those suffering from dementia and other cognitive impairments, the effects of interacting with an animal - either real or stuffed - can have very real benefits, says Georgia. “For those residents with more advanced dementia who often cannot differentiate between a live dog and a stuffed one, they will treat an animatronic or stuffed dog the same way that they would a “real” one.”

Visiting dogs - often the pets of staff members - are also a popular addition to the roster of visitors to Hall & Prior homes. In the case of St Lukes in Subiaco’s favourite pooch - Cookie - he actually lives at the home, and often spends time with his old owner, Mary. “During an interaction with Mary, she hadn’t responded to me or the OTA, and in fact I hadn’t heard her talking at all during the day,” says Georgia. “When Cookie was placed on her lap, she immediately said “That’s my Cookie!” and was kissing and cuddling her. Such touching moments can trigger deep memories and unlock positive responses not seen otherwise from residents.

“Joy is another resident who loves Cookie,” says Georgia. “She previously had a similar type of dog and has said in the past that Cookie helps her not miss her dog so much. She says that having animals around makes St Lukes feel ‘more like home’.”

LOYAL FRIENDS Visiting puppies and dogs bring so much joy to residents who may have memories of their own pets from the past.

COMFORT AND JOY Animals great and small give residents the chance to experience a special kind of happiness.

In many cases, Hall & Prior residents have had a pet in their lives, and even if their pet was different to the animal in front of them they will often recall it. “Some residents who do not enjoy physical contact with staff love to cuddle the animals, which is a great way to support their emotional well-being,” says Georgia.

“In other Hall & Prior homes we have dogs that visit once a week through a company called Delta Dogs. When residents first come to us we ask about pets and pet therapy in their initial OT assessment, and ensure that those who want to be visited by the dog are.” This attention to detail enables OT staff to plan interactions with animals with those residents who have indicated this is something they would enjoy.

. . . animal therapy has really big, positive impacts “ on the mood and wellbeing of our residents. “

“Some homes also have staff, volunteers or family members who bring their dogs in either regularly or semi-regularly,” says Georgia. “Other animal interactions such as farm visits, chick hatching and so forth are planned out in the activity calendar each year to give residents extra interaction with animals. Where possible we plan them around relevant events such as Easter or the Royal Show, just like at McDougall Park.”

To find out more about Hall & Prior’s occupational therapy program, visit hallprior.com.au