AUDIO // In this episode Claire speaks about the current health crisis, and how its impacting pet therapy providers in nursing homes
As caregivers for older adults, you are stepping up in extraordinary ways to do the things that others cannot do. You show up and give care and comfort to those in need. You show your compassion for the less able and bring your skill to help. The help you offer benefits the emotionally fragile, the sick and the infirm, and all those who need a meal or the simple reassurance they are not forgotten.
How about you? Who is caring for you? Are you the only one that others rely on? Many caregivers are doing their job at work and then again at home. Others are at home, giving care to all ages at once. You may be asking yourself, how can I add my own needs to this overwhelming demand?
You’ve equipped yourself for caregiving as best you can and are going forth out of necessity and commitment. Your altruism inspires others, your skill calms anxiety and you give hope to those who witness and celebrate it, points made by Dr. Jill Suttie at Greater Good Science.*
If you are overriding fear and persevering, you’re making enormous sacrifices and meeting daily demands from yourself. Where do you go for a relationship that demands little and delivers big rewards? For many these days, it’s the family pet. The pet relationship – be it with a dog, cat, turtle or a bird to name a few – is a reciprocal one. Our pets need us and they give in return, helping to replenish our well of balance and hope.
None of the many outreach workers are currently unable to perform their duties in the usual way is the pet therapist. Pets and their handlers visit older adult communities, nursing facilities, community centers, and are widely used as mascots for those in professions exposing them to trauma. Mental health facilities find animal therapists are significant contributors to their client and staff wellbeing. The American Veterinary Medical Association* supports animal-assisted therapy, stating it is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, or cognitive function.
The animal-human bond is ancient in origin and the memories of our pets linger in our minds. When older individuals are given access to animals those memories are rekindled, acknowledging the presence of that bond. This is a powerful tool for comfort and an antidote for loneliness, which impacts physical and mental health. It’s a positive bond within any community and influences the overall wellbeing of each community member, caregiver, and care recipient. It comes as no surprise that pet videos and pet video calls are being used by pet handlers to continue their visits to the communities that need them. As the pandemic continues to impact our world, pet service partners who accompany care recipients will be more in demand than ever. And so will the dedicated foster parents and trainers who prepare their charges for a lifetime of service.
For now, virtual pet interventions will help bridge the gap to in-pet visits. Having plush animals and other objects that mimic animal textures can provide a kind of contact comfort for your loved ones and yourselves. Meanwhile, facilities can contact their animal teams to find out what virtual options are offered to continue their role in providing social engagement.
We only have to go home to our own pets each day to know the important role they play in our lives. During a time when many cannot have the comfort of their loved ones, a lively animal presence keeps us hopeful and gives us a community to belong to, demonstrating compassion to its highest greater good.*
* greater-good: the benefit of more than just one; how your actions affect others around you
Home — GreaterGood.org
Animal-assisted interventions: Definitions | American Veterinary Medical Association