Action: Recognition of the value of pets in older people's lives

Written by Administrator

Positive Ageing Plan

Action: In recognition of the value of pets in the lives of older residents work with groups like the Dogs Home of Tasmania, RSPCA, Kingborough Dog Walkers Association and the Cat Centre to develop and support facilities and programs which promotoe responsible pet ownership.

The ‘Living Well Together’ handbook developed by Centre for the Built Environment and Health, University of Western Australia states that: pets improve some determinants of poor mental health, such as loneliness, and can motivate owners to become more physically active.

This handbook goes onto state that there is a growing momentum in Australia to help older people live independently and remain in their own homes.  Pets provide a source of companionship, physical contact and antidote to stress and bereavement.  Unfortunately in some instances, their owners may struggle to meet the pet’s needs or access timely veterinary assistance.

Tasmanian Home and Community Care service does not offer a pet care service to their older clients, so in some cases the pet has to be removed or the client is assessed as not coping, which can lead to inappropriate and premature admittance into residential care.

The Committee will correspond with all identified annimal organisations and seek out what they currently offer to older people living at home with their pets and what they currently see as issues.