Whether it’s an adorable little puppy or a beloved lifelong companion, a canine can provide immense benefits to people living in Aged Care. Not only do our four-legged friends offer much-needed emotional support, but they also help alleviate the isolation that inevitably comes with growing old.

This post covers the admission requirements, alternatives, and benefits of Nursing Home pets.

Are Dogs Allowed in Aged Care Homes?

While dogs in Nursing Homes were once a strict no-no, many age care facilities have become more flexible in recent years. As the mental and physical benefits of pet-ownership (or frequent interaction) among the elderly become increasingly apparent, more Nursing Homes are welcoming our canine companions with open arms.

Nursing homes that accept pets will expect the resident (or a close relative) to care for the animal, including feeding, toilet breaks, grooming, and exercise. Most grant admission on a case-by-case basis, with the needs of the resident, animal, staff, and co-residents taken into account. All live-in pets must undergo an in-depth behavioural assessment from a qualified trainer and be registered, de-sexed, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Problematic pets may be asked to leave at any time.

To locate a facility that will accommodate your dog, consult Companion Animal Network Australia. CareAbout works with a broad range of dog-friendly nursing homes and can help you locate an appropriate facility.

Pet Therapy in a Non-Dog-Friendly Nursing Home

In some situations, it’s not feasible to live with your dog in a nursing home. The dog-friendly facilities might be full (demand often outstrips supply), located in an inconvenient part of town, or just plain unaffordable.

But don’t worry because there is a viable alternative. Pet therapy is a highly-regarded therapeutical practice in which a trained animal provides vulnerable people, including the elderly, with much-needed emotional support.

Frequent, hands-on interaction (lots of cuddles and pats) with a therapy dog has been shown to reduce blood pressure, alleviate chronic pain, stimulate memory, and boost morale. From Alzheimer’s to isolation, pet therapy can treat a wide range of cognitive, emotional, mental, and physical conditions.

Most nursing homes that don’t allow live-in dogs run a pet therapy program, where regular visits from trained animals help fill the gap. Others advertise themselves as “pet-friendly,” which means the family pooch is allowed to visit during the day (it will need to reside with a loved one, though).

How Dogs Can Benefit People in Aged Care Homes

Whether it’s a live-in canine companion or an adorable four-legged visitor, dogs can benefit the elderly in numerous ways.

Regular animal interaction enhances emotional well-being, including self-esteem and social skills, and offers physical benefits such as improved motor skills and joint mobility. 

Caring for a dog creates a strong sense of purpose and motivates physical activity. Companionship is vital for older Australians as they lose touch with loved ones and spend more time at home alone.

  • A 2014 German study found dementia patients had better attentiveness and verbal communication skills after completing a therapy dog program.
  • A 2020 Australian study concluded pet therapy positively impacts emotional well-being, including a tangible improvement in baseline depression scores.
  • Pet owners make fewer trips to the doctor and spend less time in hospital each year.
  • On average, pet owners have lower cholesterol and blood pressure than non-pet owners.

How CareAbout Can Help

If you need help finding a nursing home that will accept your live-in pet or assistance receiving a Home Care Package, get in touch with CareAbout today.

Our in-house team of Aged Care experts can guide you through the process and recommend the perfect service provider for your individual needs. 

Get FREE Expert Help Now!