Recently, I was saddened to hear of the passing of a pet, which played a significant role in one of Victoria's regional aged care facilities.
Oscar was a beautiful, dark grey coloured cat, who often showed his unapologetic, even feisty side to care staff. Facetiously, he would suddenly jump out of residents' wardrobes or wait behind corridor corners to surprise unsuspecting nurses and typically succeed in frightening the living daylights out of them. However, with residents he was always on his best behaviour.
Oscar sat still with the elderly and took it all in his stride. Whether he was having his hair lovingly brushed 'against' the direction of his hair growth or patted like a dog, he didn't flinch. His intuition too, was phenomenal. He would suddenly curl up on a resident's bed and continually remain by their side offering quiet companionship. A palliative diagnosis would soon follow his calming vigil. Oscar was undeniably a precious, entertaining and loved asset of the facility. He eventually fell ill and after a long and happy life, passed at seventeen years of age.
The love and friendship pets offer in residential aged care is significant. They can raise morale and improve quality of life, while providing valuable insights about the residents. Research shows pets can boost health by helping to reduce blood pressure and confusion, and offer a general uplifting sense of well-being. Most residents have owned at least one fluff ball in their lives and the joy of past connections is either remembered, or the unconditional love animals extend is embraced and appreciated.
Having a live-in cat (pet), in aged care may elevate the mood and decrease loneliness. Even if there is a language barrier, everyone capable of patting a cat (and likes them), enjoys and understands the meaning of giving and receiving love. Faces typically light up and cuddles are welcomed.
Pets have great power to re-engage residents, who may be unresponsive to other therapies. A furry friend can enable the elderly to feel needed and comforted, while the premises feels more homely with a permanent and affectionate pet.
In view of the calming nature of animals, pets have a positive effect on people suffering dementia. Their soothing nature may help confused residents to communicate and articulate themselves more. Often the expression of non-verbal communication and actions are heightened. There is evidence to suggest pet therapy can help a person with dementia engage with what's happening around them.
Hillside Lodge Nursing Home in Korumburra, affiliated with Gippsland Southern Health Service, cares for thirty residents and one friendly, grey, long-haired feline. Lilly is adored (and at times overfed) by both the Hillside Lodge residents and staff, who take great joy in her company. Lilly is amusingly known as a transgender cat. Having arrived at the facility thought to be female and christened with her chosen name, it was later discovered Lilly was male! By then he and the residents were accustomed to his name, so 'Lilly' it remained.
Being an elderly resident himself at approximately fourteen years of age, Lilly loves to make himself comfortable among the residents or on their laps when they congregate in common areas. He also interchangeably lounges on people's beds to be admired and spoilt. Wherever he chooses to wander, there are opportunities for him to be showered with nurturing gestures. Needless to say, Lilly feels completely at home at Hillside Lodge, while the facility wouldn't be the same without him.
Pets generally offer so many advantages toward our wellbeing. Patting their beautiful, soft fur is an instant stress release and brings us immediately into the present moment. Aged care residents, without the worry of pets' holistic care, are able to enjoy the playful, gentle and loving company of four legged friends, as they subconsciously reap the countless benefits. In turn, fortunate cats like Lilly, are given a safe home and relish in the never-ending attention and adoration bestowed on them by an extended, nurturing family.
Oscar holding a comforting vigil on the late Luciano's bed.
Lilly, the friendly fluff ball at Hillside Lodge, Korumburra, Victoria.
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