Pets in Aged Care Grant applications now open
Animal Welfare League Australia (AWLA) has launched its 2015 Pets In Aged Care Grants program. Grant funding will be allocated to assist facilities and aged care residents around Australia make suitable arrangements or modifications to enable residents and their pets to live-in together.
The Pets In Aged Care Grants program can help to keep aged care residents and their pets together in retirement villages and nursing homes across Australia.
The 2015 Pets In Aged Care Grants program is a continuation of AWLA’s Positive Ageing in the Company of Animals Project, which began in 2013. The project seeks to identify successful models for keeping aged care residents and their pets together in retirement villages and nursing homes across Australia.
Last year’s inaugural grants program was an outstanding success, with 10 grants awarded and a total amount of $10,000 distributed.
There is solid evidence to show pets make people happier and healthier and older people in particular gain from maintaining regular contact with pets.
Separating elderly pet owners from their animal companions when their pets cannot be accommodated in aged care facilities can lead to significant grief at a time already marked by a profound sense of loss and sadness. Effects of enforced pet loss on the elderly entering aged-care facilities include increased likelihood of health problems, disturbances in sleep and appetite and more problems in integration with other residents.
Some elderly people in the community who can no longer care for themselves are unwilling to leave their homes because they are not permitted to take their pets with them to supported accommodation. Outcomes vary for the animals involved – some are re-homed, others are surrendered to a shelter and some are euthanised. Making provision for pets in aged care accommodation is in everybody’s best interest.
“A strong theme in survey responses from the aged care sector has been that although managing pets in aged care settings can be challenging at times, it is not impossible. Nothing is insurmountable, issues can be managed and it’s worth the effort because the lives and well-being of residents improve markedly,” AWLA executive officer Anne Boxhall says.
This year’s funding round will provide residents with the practical means to cover costs such as vet bills, grooming, dog walking, feeding or making minor modifications to living quarters to enable live-in arrangements. Funding may also allow for a carer to visit and assist with pet care routines.
Applications are open to aged care facilities, residents and family and friends on behalf of residents. Closing date for applications is 11th September 2015.
Find out more on Animal Welfare League Australia or apply for the Pets In Aged Care Grant on the Pet Friendly Aged Care website.
