Texas LeadingAge has a short article in this Friday’s e-newsletter entitled “Senior Care Center Sees the Power of Pets.” A not-for-profit nursing home in the greater Dallas area is featured. Mary Poole, Director, attests to the physiological and psychological benefits that pets bring to the residents who live in her center. The video is 2 ½ minutes long and is worth watching.
Viewer advisory: there are scenes of residents lined up in chairs totally unengaged, and there are some “slumpers.” Not the reality we want to see in today’s nursing homes. However the scenes with the pets are replete with LIFE!
For those of us who profess a strong adherence to Creation Spirituality, does that conviction extend to four legged furry creatures that bring such life by their very presence?
Granted, any pet living in a more-than-one household must be a good community member. Not every cat or dog is suitable for a nursing home. Personality, temperament and adaptability are important factors. But beyond that, what is the sticking point in so many retirement centers that prohibit the ongoing, in-house presence of pets as part of everyday-life?
Comments anyone? Any great in-house pet stories to share? See "Post a Comment" below.
Here is the link to the video: Senior Care Center Sees the Power of Pets
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Often there are concerns of who will take care of the pet, but I've been in many nursing homes that have a pet that causes no issues. Usually there are some animal lovers around who will volunteer to be responsible for a dog or cat, and what a great way for an elder to feel like they are able to give back by caring for an animal. I was in a home recently where one of the elders had always wanted a Yorkie, but said, "I could never have one here." The administrator said, "Why not?" and made it happen. There are staff that make sure the animal is taken care of, but for the most part, the elder takes responsibility for the pet herself and it brings a lot of happiness to her and her neighbors. Here's a link to another story about a nursing home pet from Action Pact's November 2010 newsletter: http://www.actionpact.com/assets/cache/newsletter112310.pdf
ReplyDeleteGreat observatipon, Coletta. I think there are lots of animal lovers around! I'm reminded of what I observed in Erie, PA at the monastery of Benedictine Sisters there. The prioress was given the gift of a cocker spaniel puppy by her colleagues in her workplace at the time she was elected to congregatinal leaderhsip. Pacem, an appropriately name for a dog living with Benedictine women, became a part of the community. Pacem would wait by the door at late afternoon when the Sisters returned from their ministry workplace. A handful of Sisters took on the task of caring for Pacem at times when the prioress had to be away from the monastery. I know this creature added to the life and spirt of every Sister who lives at that monastery..
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