What are the effects of animals on the health and wellbeing of residents in care homes? A systematic review of the qualitative and quantitative evidence

BMC Geriatrics, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 23(1)

Опубликована: Март 25, 2023

Abstract Background There is some evidence to suggest that animal-assisted interventions can have beneficial impact for residents in long-term care, but the focus of has largely been on behavioural and psychosocial measured outcomes. Animals, either as companion animals or form pet/animal-assisted therapy, may provide benefits social contact, well opportunities sensory experiences meaningful engagement not picked up by outcome tools. This review aimed create a state-of-knowledge synthesis, bringing together qualitative quantitative findings, animal-human interaction care home staff. Methods Fourteen databases were searched from inception July 2020. Forward backward citation chasing included articles was conducted. Screening undertaken independently team reviewers. Thematic synthesis meta-analysis used synthesise data. Results Thirty-four studies, published 40 (20 20 quantitative) included. Five themes relating resident wellbeing identified synthesis. These ‘living beings’, reminiscence storytelling, caring (as ‘doing’ ‘feeling’), respite (from loneliness, institutionalisation, illness), engagement. A sixth theme related staff perceptions wellbeing, seventh animal health wellbeing. Maintaining identity an overarching theme. The majority randomised trials had small sample sizes rated low quality, mostly showing no effect. was, however, limited positive effect pet/animal outcomes anxiety depression, supporting Conclusions presence significantly residents. Residents relationships with derived pleasure comfort them. Interacting offered way maintain sense self homes, support, dementia could also express their identities. Facilitating interact part person-centred help feel ‘at home’ home. Trial registration PROSPERO no: CRD42017058201.

Язык: Английский

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What Are the Benefits of Pet Ownership and Care Among People With Mild-to-Moderate Dementia? Findings From the IDEAL programme

Journal of Applied Gerontology, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 40(11), С. 1559 - 1567

Опубликована: Окт. 7, 2020

Pet ownership has been associated with positive outcomes in many populations, yet the associations physical and psychological wellbeing people dementia remain unclear. The current study used baseline data from 1,542 living at home mild-to-moderate Improving experience of Dementia Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) programme. Regression analyses investigated pet care self-reports walking, loneliness, depression, quality life (QoL). After adjusting for covariates, having any was higher likelihood walking over 3 hr last week. Those a dog who were involved its less likely to be lonely than those no dog. Having but involvement increased depression decreased QoL compared without pet. key factor by person dementia.

Язык: Английский

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‘They've probably had those animals for years – they are like family’: accommodating pets in care homes and their contribution to creating a sense of ‘home’

Ageing and Society, Год журнала: 2023, Номер unknown, С. 1 - 19

Опубликована: Июнь 26, 2023

Abstract Companion animals, or ‘pets’, are integral to many people's lives and their sense of home. However, older people living with companion animals vulnerable separation from when moving a care Such is often highly significant loss which, combined other losses, may reinforce experiences dislocation. Existing research draws attention the importance developing ‘home’ in home through reinforcing preserving personal connections. there paucity examining preservation connections between resident homes animal/s. This study on thematic analysis 29 qualitative interviews homes, relatives, staff relevant stakeholders. It highlights that retaining existing, long-term, bonds represent important continuities which contribute positive adjustment life creating participants highlighted supporting an person move into animal be challenged by real perceived constraints such as use shared space, concerns about risks posed implications. While our found examples good practice how residence can achieved home, time, complexity planning structures required accommodate were prohibitive merit change policy practice. Our concludes more should given person–animal bond source continuity connection.

Язык: Английский

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A Qualitative Analysis of Management Perspectives on Seeking to Implement the Foster Cat Project in Residential Aged Care in the Context of COVID-19

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 20(1), С. 752 - 752

Опубликована: Дек. 31, 2022

This study explores the challenges facing a pilot project aiming to foster homeless cats in an Australian residential aged care facility. The global COVID-19 pandemic stalled but also presented opportunity gain reflective insights into perceived barriers, enablers and tensions involved seeking implement pet animal inclusion care. Perspectives from management, welfare services researchers/project managers were all sought using semi-structured interviews, themes developed qualitative descriptive analysis. Perceived barriers before after not dissimilar with four key emerging: competing priorities, risk safety, resources, timing. All existed differently across stakeholder groups creating be negotiated. These are then mapped competencies established by International Union of Health Promotion Education (IUHPE) for undertaking health promotion, demonstrating that this skill base can drawn on when human–animal inclusive projects. Creating supportive healthful environments frail older persons is moral imperative extended lives. skills as outlined Ottawa Charter IUHPE promotion workers need include services, agendas cultures promote multi-species future.

Язык: Английский

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SAFE – A risk management tool to protect both people and pets in residential aged care facilities

Human-Animal Interactions, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Май 15, 2024

Abstract Pet ownership has known health and well-being benefits for people of all ages. Most previous research on pet among older focussed with pets living independently in their own homes or the effects visiting programs residential aged care. With structural ageing populations globally, number humans into old age is increasing. Even home support care policies, an increasing will need to live communal settings. Currently, rarely accompany persons This article presents a risk management tool – Safe Animal Friendly Environments (SAFE) designed facilitate maintain private facilities. SAFE was developed identify best practice both human animal The supports during stage life many losses pains while reducing animals needlessly relinquished even euthanised when owners ‘go care’. It using Delphi process multidisciplinary expert input. We different types risks stakeholders (residents pets, facility staff pets), including physical, zoonotic psychological risks. None identified are unmanageable. reduces acceptable levels directs how remove them where possible. summative table listing 17 general risks: from humans, animals. Each pre-mitigation assessment (low, medium high), recommended mitigation actions post-mitigation rating high). Post-mitigation reduced ‘low’ almost scenarios. separate tables dogs, cats, small mammals, birds fish, each preceded by case study. discussion links Ottawa Charter (human) promotion use SAFE. contributes inclusion as context personal human-animal bond.

Язык: Английский

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Companion Animals in Older Adulthood: Engaging and Sustaining the Bond

Elsevier eBooks, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown, С. 359 - 371

Опубликована: Окт. 1, 2024

Язык: Английский

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