Pilot program brings rescue dogs to people living with dementia
For the very fur-st time in Australia, older Aussies at HammondCare’s Horsley, Wahroonga and Darlinghurst homes saw a group of greyhounds wagging their tails and twitching their ears in anticipation.
Greyhounds and grey hair — meet the dashing dogs delighting HammondCare aged care homes. (Image source: Supplied)
The open hearts and warm smiles of residents, some living with dementia, were embraced by the well-behaved rescue dogs, lighting up the lives of those in aged care facilities since June of 2022 in the pilot program — Hounds Helping Humans.
HammondCare and Greyhound Rescue are looking to make Animal Engagement opportunities widespread, with the goal of involving all HammondCare residential aged care sites in NSW, with potential for Victoria and later this year, South Australia, at a later time.
The HammondCare Foundation, the fundraising arm of HammondCare, has launched the Lend a Helping Hound campaign to fund the program. While the handlers are volunteers, there are training, administrative and incidental costs. To throw them a bone, go to https://www.hammond.com.au/taxappeal
HammondCare’s Chief Executive Officer Mike Baird says the greyhounds bring joy to the faces of the residents involved. Many of the 2000 residents who will potentially benefit live with dementia.
“This is one innovative way that we can achieve our ambition to set the global standard for relationship-based care for people with complex needs,” Mr Baird says.
Greyhound Rescue President Nat Panzarino says feedback from the handlers on the pilot was all pawsitive. They could see the pilot making happier residents, because — doggone it — we all deserve to smile!
“They have enjoyed watching the special connections between the residents and greyhounds grow each week they came to visit. There is genuine excitement when the hounds arrive.” says Ms Panzarino.
“The handlers have absolutely loved being involved as well, it’s very fulfilling, and for many of the hounds it has quickly become their favourite activity,” she adds.
An internal review of the Hounds Helping Humans pilot found positives of the program, including strengthening relationships, elevating moods and benefiting everyone involved. Challenges include the time limitations of visits, greyhounds sometimes becoming overstimulated and the need for more greyhounds and handlers to support greater reach within the homes.
Associate Professor Steve Macfarlane, Dementia Centre Head of Clinical Services, says research has found significant health benefits for people living with dementia from animal engagement.
Previous animal engagement programs with seniors have pointed to improvements in quality of life through decreased loneliness and depression, increasing physical activity and improved socialisation.
“What better way to evaluate the success of animal engagement than to see the reactions from the residents – they clearly enjoy the interactions immensely.” Prof Macfarlane says.
Horsley resident Ann Wilcox says she absolutely adores the rescue crew, hoping to see the friendly visitors again soon.
“They are so soft. They look at you and they are so nice,” she says.
