FURRY FRIENDS ANIMAL RESCUE QUEENSLAND inc
  • Home
    • About
    • Sponsors
    • Mews Bulletin!
    • Social Media
  • Adopt us
    • Adoption Form EOI
    • Post Adoption Information Guide
    • Why Desex?
  • Foster For Us
    • Foster Carer Guide
    • Foster a Cat
    • Home Tour Info
    • Safe Cat Transfers During Covid-19
    • Arrival and Quarantine
    • Recommended Products for Foster Carers
    • Cat Nutrition & Food Standards
    • Request Supplies
    • Request a Vet Booking
    • Adoption Process for Foster Carers
  • Donate
    • PayPal Giving Fund
    • Containers for Change
    • GiveNow Donation
  • Store Partners
    • Pet Barn Ipswich
    • Store Managers Guide - Pet Transfers
  • Volunteer
    • COVIDsafe Agreement
    • Volunteer Insurance Registration
  • Surrender

Our Mews Bulletin

Feline Friends: A Must in Aged Care

22/7/2019

 
Picture
The RSPCA estimates that there are 3.9 million pet cats across Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare from 2017 to 2018 approximately 229,000 people, “began using aged care services” with two thirds of that number receiving residential care.
When entering such care, it is a sad truth that many pets are not permitted to accompany their beloved owners. Sabine Kloss, spokesperson for the Animal Welfare League, stated that one of the hardest responsibilities that falls to their organisation is to assist elderly pet-lovers in surrendering their furry companions.

Besides the obvious companionship that a pet provides, studies have shown that animals—such as cats—have had profound positive effects on both mental well-being and the often tragic symptoms of aging.

The Australian Companion Animal Council’s report, ‘The Power of Pets’ found that professionals had been examining the positive affect pets can have on humans since the 1960's. This report—and others like it—have demonstrated the direct positive impact cats and other pets can have on a person’s quality of life.

One example is the simple act of petting a cat. Doing so stabilises the heart, which prevents the rise of blood pressure – a common health concern among the elderly. Pets have also been proven to increase morale and reduce mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress, and depression.

With an estimated 49% of Australian aged care residents suffering from depression it is a wonder that more facilities do not allow their residents to reap the benefits of pet care or (at least) pet visitation.

Seasons Aged Care, a pet-friendly aged care home in Queensland, has seen these benefits in action. Pet care alone requires elderly residents to groom, bathe, walk, feed, and otherwise physically care for their animals. These actions maintain joint flexibility and increase exercise and even social interaction, as reluctant residents begin to interact with other pet-lovers both in conversation and physical activity.

For those residents who are nonverbal, immobile, or without visitors, the mere presence of a gentle pet (such as a cat) can distract residents from chronic pain and loneliness. Welcoming pets into residential care facilities is one of the only permanent ways to, “deliver a noticeably improved atmosphere”, as the Animal Welfare League attests.

At Villa Maria Catholic Homes in Melbourne, dementia sufferers have also found comfort and distraction in cats and other familiar animals. As Dementia Australia explains, their organisation’s namesake can result in behaviour changes including aggression, anxiety, and resistance. Staff at Season Aged Care have reported the incredible improvement pets have had on their residents. One elderly female—who had kept cats as pets—began smiling, eating, and talking after once again interacting with the familiar species. She had previously refused to eat or drink.
​
Cats and other pets can anchor residents by providing familiarity, structure, and companionship. For the family member forced to watch a loved one’s decline, the confused dementia sufferer, or the lonely resident unable to leave care: the countless benefits a pet can provide is surely an invaluable resource to aged care facilities everywhere.

Comments are closed.

    FFARQ News

    Articles, FFARQ news and fundraising events supporting the cause with the claws.

    Join the Furry Friends family today!

    * indicates required

    Archives

    September 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    August 2020
    July 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018

    Categories

    All
    Cat Behaviour
    Cat Care
    Cat Health
    Cat History
    Famous Cats
    Foster Care Stories
    Furry Tales
    Pet Ownership
    Recent Adoptions
    Recent Arrivals

    RSS Feed

Furry Friends Animal Rescue Queensland thanks its supporters for their ongoing support.
​Privacy policy

Picture
Petbarn
Picture
Picture
Registered Charity logo
© COPYRIGHT 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
    • About
    • Sponsors
    • Mews Bulletin!
    • Social Media
  • Adopt us
    • Adoption Form EOI
    • Post Adoption Information Guide
    • Why Desex?
  • Foster For Us
    • Foster Carer Guide
    • Foster a Cat
    • Home Tour Info
    • Safe Cat Transfers During Covid-19
    • Arrival and Quarantine
    • Recommended Products for Foster Carers
    • Cat Nutrition & Food Standards
    • Request Supplies
    • Request a Vet Booking
    • Adoption Process for Foster Carers
  • Donate
    • PayPal Giving Fund
    • Containers for Change
    • GiveNow Donation
  • Store Partners
    • Pet Barn Ipswich
    • Store Managers Guide - Pet Transfers
  • Volunteer
    • COVIDsafe Agreement
    • Volunteer Insurance Registration
  • Surrender