Pets raise spirits for Queensland seniors

A local Councillor in the Cleveland area of Brisbane is seeking to extend pet visiting programs to other seniors and care facilities.

Debra Henry wants to spread pet programs around to more local nursing homes, retirement villages and rehabilitation centres. She said for many elderly and disabled people owning a pet was not an option – but a regular visit from one was.

She said contact with dogs and other pets could lift the spirits and urged more aged and other care facilities to take advantage of visiting pet services – and for more people to volunteer to take their pets for visits to such facilities.

While those who have pets know of their positive health benefits those that don’t need not miss out as they can take advantage of ‘pets as therapy’ services.

For instance, Guide Dogs Association of Queensland offers a community service in which pets and their owners, who have been assessed and accredited, volunteer to visit nursing homes, rehabilitation centres and hospitals.

Some aged care establishments have their own pet or already have a visiting animal friend, but many do not.

Councillor Henry said she was keen to make people aware of the VisPAT and other such programs and to determine the level of interest from care facilities and from pet owners.

“The companionship that the animal and its handler give is a life-line to many ailing people,” Cr Henry said.