Rolf Gericke is 78 years old and has been living on his own with his four cats in Tasmania since his wife died a few years ago.

Rolf has a deep and heartfelt bond with his feline companions and said he’d 'rather die than move into an aged care home without them'.

Rolf isn’t alone. It’s estimated that only one in five aged care homes in Australia will consider allowing pets, forcing seniors to risk their safety–or choose between their health and their beloved furry companions.

Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) Chief Executive Trish Ennis said 86 per cent of people with pets in aged care settings experience improved mental and physical health.

However, pets can be denied due to regulatory issues or concerns about hygiene, lack of staff to care for animals, or the risk of tripping over a lead or pet bedding.

Many elderly Australians are risking their health in order to stay with pets. Credit: Matthias Zomer/Pexels

But what about those seniors who rely on the companionship and unconditional love provided by their furry, feathered or finned friends?

Trish has heard stories of seniors who have no intention of giving up their beloved pet–instead, choosing to stay at home and risking their health rather than leaving the home and being separated from their animal.

‘If you can imagine moving into residential care anyway, you're giving up your house, you're giving up everything to fit in one room,’ she said.

‘It's a very depressing, hard time to go through, but to give up your best friend and companion along with that, and god knows where that pet's going to go.’

Glen Hardwick, Chief Executive of Christian Homes Tasmania, acknowledges that having pets in aged care homes comes with challenges.

'As much as we'd love to enable our residents in the residential care to bring their pets in, the risks to them, our staff and other residents are too high,’ he said.

Instead, Hardwick notes that they now bring in a sheep, which does a lap of the facility and provides joy and interaction for the residents. However, the sheep only leave little messes behind.

Christian Homes Tasmania allows animals like sheep to visit their facility. Credit: Christian Homes Tasmania Ltd/Facebook

‘The interaction with the residents is very clearly to their benefit both emotionally and physically,’ Mr Hardwick added.

Meanwhile, in Victoria, a group of aged care homes not only allows pets but encourages people to bring them in.

Samatha Jewell, the Chief Executive of Lifeview, said that she has noticed a significant difference since implementing the new pet policy.

Lifeview allows their residents to have pets in the facility. Credit: Lifeview Residential Care/Facebook

'They settle in quicker…remain more independent because you're still caring for that pet, so you do get up to feed it or walk the dog,' Jewell mentioned.

She also shared: 'It's better for their mental health and wellbeing, and it also benefits the other residents because they get to enjoy that pet as well'.

There are certain rules to having a pet in Lifeview, however. The owner must have leads outside the bedroom and have a family or a representative who will take the pet in an emergency.

Ms Jewell has worked closely with Trish Ennis of CANA to safely incorporate pets into aged care homes and educate their providers on their policies and procedures.

‘A major problem a lot of the residential care places have is a lack of education,’ Ms Ennis claimed.

In Rolf Gericke’s case, however, his cats are not allowed in an aged care home. He has some health issues and receives a check-in call from the Red Cross every morning. He hopes that more facilities will consider pets.

‘It would make it easier, I believe, for a lot of people that have no other option than ending up in a nursing home,’ he said.

Key Takeaways

• Many elderly people allegedly risk their health to stay with their pets, as most aged care facilities do not allow animals.
  
• The Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) statistics show that only one in five aged care homes in Australia will consider allowing pets, despite evidence that pets improve mental and physical health for aged care residents.
  
• Due to hygiene and safety concerns, many facilities are reluctant to allow pets, although some facilities do enable pet therapy programs where animals visit and interact with the residents.
  
• In contrast, a group of aged care homes in Victoria encourages residents to bring their pets, as they have seen beneficial impacts on the residents' wellbeing.
  

What do you think of this story, members? Do you think pets should be allowed in aged care homes? Let us know in the comments below.

 

[ToniaKisliakov]

You have utterly missed the point
By remaining as long as possible in your own home, it is better for people, rather than being "put away" out of sight and mind

 

[elaine41]

Firstly, I have no desire to pet a sheep. They are farm animals & definitely not suitable to be brought into a nursing home for residents to "relate" to.
There are a number of reasons why I never, ever want to go to a nursing home. Food, potential for abuse by staff, loneliness, lack of love from my fur babies is the greatest. Being able to sit with one of my "babies" on my lap, to pat him, cuddle him, comb his coat are all things that bring joy to me & other seniors who have pets at home. I would rather die in my home than go to a nursing home without my "babies".

 

[anne2162]

Rolf Gericke is 78 years old and has been living on his own with his four cats in Tasmania since his wife died a few years ago.

Rolf has a deep and heartfelt bond with his feline companions and said he’d 'rather die than move into an aged care home without them'.

Rolf isn’t alone. It’s estimated that only one in five aged care homes in Australia will consider allowing pets, forcing seniors to risk their safety–or choose between their health and their beloved furry companions.

Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) Chief Executive Trish Ennis said 86 per cent of people with pets in aged care settings experience improved mental and physical health.

However, pets can be denied due to regulatory issues or concerns about hygiene, lack of staff to care for animals, or the risk of tripping over a lead or pet bedding.

View attachment 29020

Many elderly Australians are risking their health in order to stay with pets. Credit: Matthias Zomer/Pexels

But what about those seniors who rely on the companionship and unconditional love provided by their furry, feathered or finned friends?

Trish has heard stories of seniors who have no intention of giving up their beloved pet–instead, choosing to stay at home and risking their health rather than leaving the home and being separated from their animal.

‘If you can imagine moving into residential care anyway, you're giving up your house, you're giving up everything to fit in one room,’ she said.

‘It's a very depressing, hard time to go through, but to give up your best friend and companion along with that, and god knows where that pet's going to go.’

Glen Hardwick, Chief Executive of Christian Homes Tasmania, acknowledges that having pets in aged care homes comes with challenges.

'As much as we'd love to enable our residents in the residential care to bring their pets in, the risks to them, our staff and other residents are too high,’ he said.

Instead, Hardwick notes that they now bring in a sheep, which does a lap of the facility and provides joy and interaction for the residents. However, the sheep only leave little messes behind.

View attachment 29022

Christian Homes Tasmania allows animals like sheep to visit their facility. Credit: Christian Homes Tasmania Ltd/Facebook

‘The interaction with the residents is very clearly to their benefit both emotionally and physically,’ Mr Hardwick added.

Meanwhile, in Victoria, a group of aged care homes not only allows pets but encourages people to bring them in.

Samatha Jewell, the Chief Executive of Lifeview, said that she has noticed a significant difference since implementing the new pet policy.

View attachment 29021

Lifeview allows their residents to have pets in the facility. Credit: Lifeview Residential Care/Facebook

'They settle in quicker…remain more independent because you're still caring for that pet, so you do get up to feed it or walk the dog,' Jewell mentioned.

She also shared: 'It's better for their mental health and wellbeing, and it also benefits the other residents because they get to enjoy that pet as well'.

There are certain rules to having a pet in Lifeview, however. The owner must have leads outside the bedroom and have a family or a representative who will take the pet in an emergency.

Ms Jewell has worked closely with Trish Ennis of CANA to safely incorporate pets into aged care homes and educate their providers on their policies and procedures.

‘A major problem a lot of the residential care places have is a lack of education,’ Ms Ennis claimed.

In Rolf Gericke’s case, however, his cats are not allowed in an aged care home. He has some health issues and receives a check-in call from the Red Cross every morning. He hopes that more facilities will consider pets.

‘It would make it easier, I believe, for a lot of people that have no other option than ending up in a nursing home,’ he said.

Key Takeaways

• Many elderly people allegedly risk their health to stay with their pets, as most aged care facilities do not allow animals.
• The Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) statistics show that only one in five aged care homes in Australia will consider allowing pets, despite evidence that pets improve mental and physical health for aged care residents.
• Due to hygiene and safety concerns, many facilities are reluctant to allow pets, although some facilities do enable pet therapy programs where animals visit and interact with the residents.
• In contrast, a group of aged care homes in Victoria encourages residents to bring their pets, as they have seen beneficial impacts on the residents' wellbeing.

What do you think of this story, members? Do you think pets should be allowed in aged care homes? Let us know in the comments below.

I strongly agree pets should be permitted into Nursing Homes, they are family members, have feelings like humans and can make a world of difference to the persons health and mental wellbeing.

 

[Shane/#]

Rolf Gericke is 78 years old and has been living on his own with his four cats in Tasmania since his wife died a few years ago.

Rolf has a deep and heartfelt bond with his feline companions and said he’d 'rather die than move into an aged care home without them'.

Rolf isn’t alone. It’s estimated that only one in five aged care homes in Australia will consider allowing pets, forcing seniors to risk their safety–or choose between their health and their beloved furry companions.

Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) Chief Executive Trish Ennis said 86 per cent of people with pets in aged care settings experience improved mental and physical health.

However, pets can be denied due to regulatory issues or concerns about hygiene, lack of staff to care for animals, or the risk of tripping over a lead or pet bedding.

View attachment 29020

Many elderly Australians are risking their health in order to stay with pets. Credit: Matthias Zomer/Pexels

But what about those seniors who rely on the companionship and unconditional love provided by their furry, feathered or finned friends?

Trish has heard stories of seniors who have no intention of giving up their beloved pet–instead, choosing to stay at home and risking their health rather than leaving the home and being separated from their animal.

‘If you can imagine moving into residential care anyway, you're giving up your house, you're giving up everything to fit in one room,’ she said.

‘It's a very depressing, hard time to go through, but to give up your best friend and companion along with that, and god knows where that pet's going to go.’

Glen Hardwick, Chief Executive of Christian Homes Tasmania, acknowledges that having pets in aged care homes comes with challenges.

'As much as we'd love to enable our residents in the residential care to bring their pets in, the risks to them, our staff and other residents are too high,’ he said.

Instead, Hardwick notes that they now bring in a sheep, which does a lap of the facility and provides joy and interaction for the residents. However, the sheep only leave little messes behind.

View attachment 29022

Christian Homes Tasmania allows animals like sheep to visit their facility. Credit: Christian Homes Tasmania Ltd/Facebook

‘The interaction with the residents is very clearly to their benefit both emotionally and physically,’ Mr Hardwick added.

Meanwhile, in Victoria, a group of aged care homes not only allows pets but encourages people to bring them in.

Samatha Jewell, the Chief Executive of Lifeview, said that she has noticed a significant difference since implementing the new pet policy.

View attachment 29021

Lifeview allows their residents to have pets in the facility. Credit: Lifeview Residential Care/Facebook

'They settle in quicker…remain more independent because you're still caring for that pet, so you do get up to feed it or walk the dog,' Jewell mentioned.

She also shared: 'It's better for their mental health and wellbeing, and it also benefits the other residents because they get to enjoy that pet as well'.

There are certain rules to having a pet in Lifeview, however. The owner must have leads outside the bedroom and have a family or a representative who will take the pet in an emergency.

Ms Jewell has worked closely with Trish Ennis of CANA to safely incorporate pets into aged care homes and educate their providers on their policies and procedures.

‘A major problem a lot of the residential care places have is a lack of education,’ Ms Ennis claimed.

In Rolf Gericke’s case, however, his cats are not allowed in an aged care home. He has some health issues and receives a check-in call from the Red Cross every morning. He hopes that more facilities will consider pets.

‘It would make it easier, I believe, for a lot of people that have no other option than ending up in a nursing home,’ he said.

Key Takeaways

• Many elderly people allegedly risk their health to stay with their pets, as most aged care facilities do not allow animals.
• The Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) statistics show that only one in five aged care homes in Australia will consider allowing pets, despite evidence that pets improve mental and physical health for aged care residents.
• Due to hygiene and safety concerns, many facilities are reluctant to allow pets, although some facilities do enable pet therapy programs where animals visit and interact with the residents.
• In contrast, a group of aged care homes in Victoria encourages residents to bring their pets, as they have seen beneficial impacts on the residents' wellbeing.

What do you think of this story, members? Do you think pets should be allowed in aged care homes? Let us know in the comments below.

Well fish in a tank how's that going to be a problem or even a python in an enclosure shouldn't be a problem people need companionship not necessarily a person a loyal pet dog,cat,bird etc

 

[Marilyn]

Firstly, I have no desire to pet a sheep. They are farm animals & definitely not suitable to be brought into a nursing home for residents to "relate" to.
There are a number of reasons why I never, ever want to go to a nursing home. Food, potential for abuse by staff, loneliness, lack of love from my fur babies is the greatest. Being able to sit with one of my "babies" on my lap, to pat him, cuddle him, comb his coat are all things that bring joy to me & other seniors who have pets at home. I would rather die in my home than go to a nursing home without my "babies".

Hear hear

 

[Leenie]

Well fish in a tank how's that going to be a problem or even a python in an enclosure shouldn't be a problem people need companionship not necessarily a person a loyal pet dog,cat,bird etc

Some homes allow a dog to be brought in by someone so residents can share and then taken away it gives them some happiness just for a few hours .

 

[Skeeta22]

Rolf Gericke is 78 years old and has been living on his own with his four cats in Tasmania since his wife died a few years ago.

Rolf has a deep and heartfelt bond with his feline companions and said he’d 'rather die than move into an aged care home without them'.

Rolf isn’t alone. It’s estimated that only one in five aged care homes in Australia will consider allowing pets, forcing seniors to risk their safety–or choose between their health and their beloved furry companions.

Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) Chief Executive Trish Ennis said 86 per cent of people with pets in aged care settings experience improved mental and physical health.

However, pets can be denied due to regulatory issues or concerns about hygiene, lack of staff to care for animals, or the risk of tripping over a lead or pet bedding.

View attachment 29020

Many elderly Australians are risking their health in order to stay with pets. Credit: Matthias Zomer/Pexels

But what about those seniors who rely on the companionship and unconditional love provided by their furry, feathered or finned friends?

Trish has heard stories of seniors who have no intention of giving up their beloved pet–instead, choosing to stay at home and risking their health rather than leaving the home and being separated from their animal.

‘If you can imagine moving into residential care anyway, you're giving up your house, you're giving up everything to fit in one room,’ she said.

‘It's a very depressing, hard time to go through, but to give up your best friend and companion along with that, and god knows where that pet's going to go.’

Glen Hardwick, Chief Executive of Christian Homes Tasmania, acknowledges that having pets in aged care homes comes with challenges.

'As much as we'd love to enable our residents in the residential care to bring their pets in, the risks to them, our staff and other residents are too high,’ he said.

Instead, Hardwick notes that they now bring in a sheep, which does a lap of the facility and provides joy and interaction for the residents. However, the sheep only leave little messes behind.

View attachment 29022

Christian Homes Tasmania allows animals like sheep to visit their facility. Credit: Christian Homes Tasmania Ltd/Facebook

‘The interaction with the residents is very clearly to their benefit both emotionally and physically,’ Mr Hardwick added.

Meanwhile, in Victoria, a group of aged care homes not only allows pets but encourages people to bring them in.

Samatha Jewell, the Chief Executive of Lifeview, said that she has noticed a significant difference since implementing the new pet policy.

View attachment 29021

Lifeview allows their residents to have pets in the facility. Credit: Lifeview Residential Care/Facebook

'They settle in quicker…remain more independent because you're still caring for that pet, so you do get up to feed it or walk the dog,' Jewell mentioned.

She also shared: 'It's better for their mental health and wellbeing, and it also benefits the other residents because they get to enjoy that pet as well'.

There are certain rules to having a pet in Lifeview, however. The owner must have leads outside the bedroom and have a family or a representative who will take the pet in an emergency.

Ms Jewell has worked closely with Trish Ennis of CANA to safely incorporate pets into aged care homes and educate their providers on their policies and procedures.

‘A major problem a lot of the residential care places have is a lack of education,’ Ms Ennis claimed.

In Rolf Gericke’s case, however, his cats are not allowed in an aged care home. He has some health issues and receives a check-in call from the Red Cross every morning. He hopes that more facilities will consider pets.

‘It would make it easier, I believe, for a lot of people that have no other option than ending up in a nursing home,’ he said.

Key Takeaways

• Many elderly people allegedly risk their health to stay with their pets, as most aged care facilities do not allow animals.
• The Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) statistics show that only one in five aged care homes in Australia will consider allowing pets, despite evidence that pets improve mental and physical health for aged care residents.
• Due to hygiene and safety concerns, many facilities are reluctant to allow pets, although some facilities do enable pet therapy programs where animals visit and interact with the residents.
• In contrast, a group of aged care homes in Victoria encourages residents to bring their pets, as they have seen beneficial impacts on the residents' wellbeing.

What do you think of this story, members? Do you think pets should be allowed in aged care homes? Let us know in the comments below.

If I couldn't take my pets, I wouldn't go, full stop. They are family. I do understand there are definitely some concerns from management of aged care facilities but am certain most could be overcome.

 

[Leenie]

Well fish in a tank how's that going to be a problem or even a python in an enclosure shouldn't be a problem people need companionship not necessarily a person a loyal pet dog,cat,bird etc

Fish cause no problems and. Easy to care for and relaxing to watch..

 

[SandraD22]

I worked in a aged care for many many years and initially encouraged residents to bring their pets. It was very difficult to manage cats and dogs due to the reaction / allergy from other residents and the availability of someone to care for the pet in an emergency. Another issue was if you give permission for one resident to bring their pet then every other resident is also enabled to do this so a facility could end up with multiple animals. One couple brought their dog and when it was necessary to go via patient transport for an appointment left their dog in their room and it barked constantly until they returned and it was necessary for staff to toilet the dog. Our facility was low care and staff worked at a ratio of 1 carer to 10 residents. Infection control guidelines had to be followed and the pet required a care plan indicating worming/fleeing timelines etc etc and was more paperwork for staff to review. A great idea but so very difficult to instigate successfully. An activity staff member brought her dog to work and some residents enjoyed the companionship and family members were enabled to bring in the residents pets to visit. Still not the same as having them with you all the time and sad each time the resident said goodbye.

 

[Littleboy8]

Firstly, I have no desire to pet a sheep. They are farm animals & definitely not suitable to be brought into a nursing home for residents to "relate" to.
There are a number of reasons why I never, ever want to go to a nursing home. Food, potential for abuse by staff, loneliness, lack of love from my fur babies is the greatest. Being able to sit with one of my "babies" on my lap, to pat him, cuddle him, comb his coat are all things that bring joy to me & other seniors who have pets at home. I would rather die in my home than go to a nursing home without my "babies".

I worked in a aged care for many many years and initially encouraged residents to bring their pets. It was very difficult to manage cats and dogs due to the reaction / allergy from other residents and the availability of someone to care for the pet in an emergency. Another issue was if you give permission for one resident to bring their pet then every other resident is also enabled to do this so a facility could end up with multiple animals. One couple brought their dog and when it was necessary to go via patient transport for an appointment left their dog in their room and it barked constantly until they returned and it was necessary for staff to toilet the dog. Our facility was low care and staff worked at a ratio of 1 carer to 10 residents. Infection control guidelines had to be followed and the pet required a care plan indicating worming/fleeing timelines etc etc and was more paperwork for staff to review. A great idea but so very

I worked in a aged care for many many years and initially encouraged residents to bring their pets. It was very difficult to manage cats and dogs due to the reaction / allergy from other residents and the availability of someone to care for the pet in an emergency. Another issue was if you give permission for one resident to bring their pet then every other resident is also enabled to do this so a facility could end up with multiple animals. One couple brought their dog and when it was necessary to go via patient transport for an appointment left their dog in their room and it barked constantly until they returned and it was necessary for staff to toilet the dog. Our facility was low care and staff worked at a ratio of 1 carer to 10 residents. Infection control guidelines had to be followed and the pet required a care plan indicating worming/fleeing timelines etc etc and was more paperwork for staff to review. A great idea but so very difficult ti instigate successfully.

I worked in Broughton nursing home frankston many moons ago and the matron always bought her dog to work for the enjoyment of the residents during the day

 

[Pommyoz]

I worked in a aged care for many many years and initially encouraged residents to bring their pets. It was very difficult to manage cats and dogs due to the reaction / allergy from other residents and the availability of someone to care for the pet in an emergency. Another issue was if you give permission for one resident to bring their pet then every other resident is also enabled to do this so a facility could end up with multiple animals. One couple brought their dog and when it was necessary to go via patient transport for an appointment left their dog in their room and it barked constantly until they returned and it was necessary for staff to toilet the dog. Our facility was low care and staff worked at a ratio of 1 carer to 10 residents. Infection control guidelines had to be followed and the pet required a care plan indicating worming/fleeing timelines etc etc and was more paperwork for staff to review. A great idea but so very difficult to instigate successfully. An activity staff member brought her dog to work and some residents enjoyed the companionship and family members were enabled to bring in the residents pets to visit. Still not the same as having them with you all the time and sad each time the resident said goodbye.

1 carer per 10 residents, no thanks, prefer my home with home help until my marbles have gone. Then I won’t know will I?

 

[Littleboy8]

1 carer per 10 residents, no thanks, prefer my home with home help until my marbles have gone. Then I won’t know will I?

 

[Singomate]

Rolf Gericke is 78 years old and has been living on his own with his four cats in Tasmania since his wife died a few years ago.

Rolf has a deep and heartfelt bond with his feline companions and said he’d 'rather die than move into an aged care home without them'.

Rolf isn’t alone. It’s estimated that only one in five aged care homes in Australia will consider allowing pets, forcing seniors to risk their safety–or choose between their health and their beloved furry companions.

Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) Chief Executive Trish Ennis said 86 per cent of people with pets in aged care settings experience improved mental and physical health.

However, pets can be denied due to regulatory issues or concerns about hygiene, lack of staff to care for animals, or the risk of tripping over a lead or pet bedding.

View attachment 29020

Many elderly Australians are risking their health in order to stay with pets. Credit: Matthias Zomer/Pexels

But what about those seniors who rely on the companionship and unconditional love provided by their furry, feathered or finned friends?

Trish has heard stories of seniors who have no intention of giving up their beloved pet–instead, choosing to stay at home and risking their health rather than leaving the home and being separated from their animal.

‘If you can imagine moving into residential care anyway, you're giving up your house, you're giving up everything to fit in one room,’ she said.

‘It's a very depressing, hard time to go through, but to give up your best friend and companion along with that, and god knows where that pet's going to go.’

Glen Hardwick, Chief Executive of Christian Homes Tasmania, acknowledges that having pets in aged care homes comes with challenges.

'As much as we'd love to enable our residents in the residential care to bring their pets in, the risks to them, our staff and other residents are too high,’ he said.

Instead, Hardwick notes that they now bring in a sheep, which does a lap of the facility and provides joy and interaction for the residents. However, the sheep only leave little messes behind.

View attachment 29022

Christian Homes Tasmania allows animals like sheep to visit their facility. Credit: Christian Homes Tasmania Ltd/Facebook

‘The interaction with the residents is very clearly to their benefit both emotionally and physically,’ Mr Hardwick added.

Meanwhile, in Victoria, a group of aged care homes not only allows pets but encourages people to bring them in.

Samatha Jewell, the Chief Executive of Lifeview, said that she has noticed a significant difference since implementing the new pet policy.

View attachment 29021

Lifeview allows their residents to have pets in the facility. Credit: Lifeview Residential Care/Facebook

'They settle in quicker…remain more independent because you're still caring for that pet, so you do get up to feed it or walk the dog,' Jewell mentioned.

She also shared: 'It's better for their mental health and wellbeing, and it also benefits the other residents because they get to enjoy that pet as well'.

There are certain rules to having a pet in Lifeview, however. The owner must have leads outside the bedroom and have a family or a representative who will take the pet in an emergency.

Ms Jewell has worked closely with Trish Ennis of CANA to safely incorporate pets into aged care homes and educate their providers on their policies and procedures.

‘A major problem a lot of the residential care places have is a lack of education,’ Ms Ennis claimed.

In Rolf Gericke’s case, however, his cats are not allowed in an aged care home. He has some health issues and receives a check-in call from the Red Cross every morning. He hopes that more facilities will consider pets.

‘It would make it easier, I believe, for a lot of people that have no other option than ending up in a nursing home,’ he said.

Key Takeaways

• Many elderly people allegedly risk their health to stay with their pets, as most aged care facilities do not allow animals.
• The Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) statistics show that only one in five aged care homes in Australia will consider allowing pets, despite evidence that pets improve mental and physical health for aged care residents.
• Due to hygiene and safety concerns, many facilities are reluctant to allow pets, although some facilities do enable pet therapy programs where animals visit and interact with the residents.
• In contrast, a group of aged care homes in Victoria encourages residents to bring their pets, as they have seen beneficial impacts on the residents' wellbeing.

What do you think of this story, members? Do you think pets should be allowed in aged care homes? Let us know in the comments below.

I think pets are fantastic the un conditional luv you get from them is just the best . UNFORTUNATELY I can no longer have a furry or feathered friend the body corporate flatly refuses so to keep a roof over our head and keep the peace it is what it is, but I can drive to my Daughter's house and spoil their dog we have a bit of a bond so it's not all bad news. About ten years ago I use to take my Dogs to some Nursing homes the Oldies luv it and so did the dogs

 

[Veggiepatch]

Companion animals, not just dogs, are integral to the physical and psychological well being of all types of people. Just not the aged, but people with disabilities and even those with substance abuse issues benefit from the inclusion of a non human buddy in their life.

Something serious from me for a change.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I worked in Broughton nursing home frankston many moons ago and the matron always bought her dog to work for the enjoyment of the residents during the day

Well, I'm sitting in a lecture room at Chisholm TAFE Frankston right this very moment!

 

[Littleboy8]

Well, I'm sitting in a lecture room at Chisholm TAFE Frankston right this very moment!

Well I hope your behaving yourself

 

[Veggiepatch]

Well I hope your behaving yourself

Your comment is very timely. We were just informed of the Student Code of Conduct!

Don't worry! I conduct myself in person as I do on here, like a big kid.

 

[Gsr]

I also worked in aged care for many years. Both the facilities I worked in had pets, mostly cats and fish. There were chooks, sheep, alpacas and miniature ponies in the grounds of one. Clients who were well enough and able to helped looking after the animals and pets. Family members were allowed to bring in approved dogs on certain days for interaction with clients. I don’t think having dogs in facilities all the time would be very good. A lot of people don’t like dogs, they could become aggressive with other dogs, unless the clients are able to look after their own dogs including feeding, cleaning up wees and poos, walking, grooming etc then they shouldn’t have them. Staff have already got too much workload with clients and don’t need to have to look after clients pets as well. My opinion is that pets are just that, pets, and people can survive without them if they need to.

 

[Littleboy8]

I also worked in aged care for many years. Both the facilities I worked in had pets, mostly cats and fish. There were chooks, sheep, alpacas and miniature ponies in the grounds of one. Clients who were well enough and able to helped looking after the animals and pets. Family members were allowed to bring in approved dogs on certain days for interaction with clients. I don’t think having dogs in facilities all the time would be very good. A lot of people don’t like dogs, they could become aggressive with other dogs, unless the clients are able to look after their own dogs including feeding, cleaning up wees and poos, walking, grooming etc then they shouldn’t have them. Staff have already got too much workload with clients and don’t need to have to look after clients pets as well. My opinion is that pets are just that, pets, and people can survive without them if they need to.

Workplace tripping hazard