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Residential and visiting animals improve the quality of life for older people in care. A person- and animal-centred approach supports the continuing companionship between an older person and their pet when moving into residential care.
The Aged Care Bill 2024 affirms the right of older persons to remain connected to their pets if they choose, while the Aged Care Quality Standards emphasise person-centred care which considers the preferences and mental well-being of older people.
While pets offer comfort, therapy, and well-being, risks can also be associated with animals in healthcare, such as injury, allergies, and infection. Management of these risks is particularity important in healthcare settings and where older persons may be immunocompromised.
ACIPC, in collaboration with Australian Companion Animals Network, have developed a resource bundle, including assessments, risk management, pet management guidance, care plan templates and more, to provide guidance for supporting older people, their pets, and care providers in facilitating co-residence.
The resources focus on dogs and cats as companion pets, with the expectation that the older person is responsible for their pet’s costs and care, with support from a guarantor and care provider.
You can view the resource bundle, Companion Animals in Aged Care, by clicking the link below:
https://www.acipc.org.au/resources/companion-animals-in-aged-care/