Old Age Homes and Pets
Posted by FE Ndhlovu on Tuesday, February 9, 2010
PETS IN RETIREMENT VILLAGES AND OLD AGE HOMES CAN DELAY THE INEVITABLE WITH QUALITY OF LIFE
Dr. Platzhund
It has become a gradual societal trend for elderly family members to be placed in retirement villages and old age homes, banished from the family structure and familiar suburban life. Any move to a new home is regarded as the third most stressful human situation following death and divorce, how much more so for senior citizens?!
Old people are lonelier today than ever before. Loneliness must, however, be distinguished from being alone. It is possible, therefore, for a human being to be alone, yet contented, hundreds of kilometres from the nearest soul, while the same individual may feel desolate with loneliness in the midst of a large crowd.
Loneliness is regarded as such a painful and unpleasant sensation that, since time immemorial, societies have utilised solitary confinement, exile and social ostracism as methods of punishment. The autobiographical accounts of religious hermits, castaways and prisoners of war often elucidate the psychological effects of enforced social isolation
Most families are either too busy in the rat race and neglect to visit their aged family members in such institutions and the only truly special companionship which the elderly could benefit from under these lonely circumstances are pets. However, management committees in charge of retirement villages and old age homes do not allow lonely old people companionship in a depressing and stressful time of solitude and banishment. I regard this attitude as cruel and inhumane. If any committee member could be placed in the same position for a given period of time I am certain they would rescind the insensitive decision of a “No Pets” policy.
Many people facing retirement in a completely new village are forced to euthanase their existing beloved pets before moving in. This highly traumatic loss of a beloved “family member” increases despair and insecurity when loneliness looms, as severe adjustments are made to their lifestyle. More than ever before, this is when there is the most urgent need for a meaningful, trusted, loving and unconditional relationship. How much more does this scenario resemble a young child being abandoned or separated from his or her mother?!
Members of managing committees or trustees of elderly institutions should be philanthropic, sensitive, empathic and in a rational frame of mind to plan strategies that would accommodate certain pets within old age homes. The committee members of retirement facilities will, one day, be a victim of their own decision (i.e. denying companion animals for social comfort).
Veterinarians, veterinary nurses, animal behaviourists and canine obedience instructors could serve on the management committee of an old age home in an advisory and supervisory capacity. Depending on the type of establishment and the composition of residents the ideal number and types of pets could be professionally and scientifically considered. Not all pets are suitable. Not all people like pets. Not all people are suitable for pet ownership. Those who need it and want it should be afforded the opportunity. The professional expertise consulted in these matters will be able to evaluate the health risks, temperament suitability and environment tolerance of certain animals. A calm, quiet, even-tempered, sociable dog is better than any person we could ever wish to meet.
Not every person will choose to own a pet in a retirement situation, even if they were animal lovers; they may want to travel. But those who choose to have an animal, and are independent and responsible enough for the proper care of that pet, should be allowed to do so. The frail and infirm must, obviously, be excluded from direct ownership. But they may enjoy the pleasurable presence and warm contact of companion animals living in the complex or be exposed to pet therapy visitation programmes.
Elderly residents with pets are usually so preoccupied with pet commitments that staff become, mostly, relieved of the pressures emanating from bored or depressed human beings. Taking care of another living creature improves human quality of life and longevity. Commitment to the wellbeing of a pet diverts old people from their personal problems and self-pity. Scientific studies have proved beyond any doubt that by stroking a pet there is a release of chemicals from the brain causing a drop in blood pressure, relaxation and serves as a physiological anti-depressive. Animals need to be exercised so the owners get the added physiological benefit of having to get out in to the fresh air and walk thereby stimulating the cardiovascular system and helping delay muscle atrophy and degeneration. Walking the dog is going to bring people into more sociable contact and conversation with each other. An inexpensive social catalyst adding much more meaning to their lives!
People also develop a sense of pride owning a pet and gives them a purpose for continued living. A companion animal offers the elderly, amongst other things: unconditional love, confidentiality, warmth for the arthritic joints and body, protection, something to talk to and a good listener, a feeling of belonging and the feeling of family membership. Pets are an antidote to stress and affectionate social contact is a positive contributor for recovery after any illness or surgery. In Ecclesiastes 6: 16 it says “A faithful friend is the medicine of life”. Why are we failing hands down in this necessary service to our senior family members and friends?!
Article courtesy of Dr. Platzhund
PetSure's Medical Advisor
Dr. Platzhund
It has become a gradual societal trend for elderly family members to be placed in retirement villages and old age homes, banished from the family structure and familiar suburban life. Any move to a new home is regarded as the third most stressful human situation following death and divorce, how much more so for senior citizens?!
Old people are lonelier today than ever before. Loneliness must, however, be distinguished from being alone. It is possible, therefore, for a human being to be alone, yet contented, hundreds of kilometres from the nearest soul, while the same individual may feel desolate with loneliness in the midst of a large crowd.
Loneliness is regarded as such a painful and unpleasant sensation that, since time immemorial, societies have utilised solitary confinement, exile and social ostracism as methods of punishment. The autobiographical accounts of religious hermits, castaways and prisoners of war often elucidate the psychological effects of enforced social isolation
Most families are either too busy in the rat race and neglect to visit their aged family members in such institutions and the only truly special companionship which the elderly could benefit from under these lonely circumstances are pets. However, management committees in charge of retirement villages and old age homes do not allow lonely old people companionship in a depressing and stressful time of solitude and banishment. I regard this attitude as cruel and inhumane. If any committee member could be placed in the same position for a given period of time I am certain they would rescind the insensitive decision of a “No Pets” policy.
Many people facing retirement in a completely new village are forced to euthanase their existing beloved pets before moving in. This highly traumatic loss of a beloved “family member” increases despair and insecurity when loneliness looms, as severe adjustments are made to their lifestyle. More than ever before, this is when there is the most urgent need for a meaningful, trusted, loving and unconditional relationship. How much more does this scenario resemble a young child being abandoned or separated from his or her mother?!
Members of managing committees or trustees of elderly institutions should be philanthropic, sensitive, empathic and in a rational frame of mind to plan strategies that would accommodate certain pets within old age homes. The committee members of retirement facilities will, one day, be a victim of their own decision (i.e. denying companion animals for social comfort).
Veterinarians, veterinary nurses, animal behaviourists and canine obedience instructors could serve on the management committee of an old age home in an advisory and supervisory capacity. Depending on the type of establishment and the composition of residents the ideal number and types of pets could be professionally and scientifically considered. Not all pets are suitable. Not all people like pets. Not all people are suitable for pet ownership. Those who need it and want it should be afforded the opportunity. The professional expertise consulted in these matters will be able to evaluate the health risks, temperament suitability and environment tolerance of certain animals. A calm, quiet, even-tempered, sociable dog is better than any person we could ever wish to meet.
Not every person will choose to own a pet in a retirement situation, even if they were animal lovers; they may want to travel. But those who choose to have an animal, and are independent and responsible enough for the proper care of that pet, should be allowed to do so. The frail and infirm must, obviously, be excluded from direct ownership. But they may enjoy the pleasurable presence and warm contact of companion animals living in the complex or be exposed to pet therapy visitation programmes.
Elderly residents with pets are usually so preoccupied with pet commitments that staff become, mostly, relieved of the pressures emanating from bored or depressed human beings. Taking care of another living creature improves human quality of life and longevity. Commitment to the wellbeing of a pet diverts old people from their personal problems and self-pity. Scientific studies have proved beyond any doubt that by stroking a pet there is a release of chemicals from the brain causing a drop in blood pressure, relaxation and serves as a physiological anti-depressive. Animals need to be exercised so the owners get the added physiological benefit of having to get out in to the fresh air and walk thereby stimulating the cardiovascular system and helping delay muscle atrophy and degeneration. Walking the dog is going to bring people into more sociable contact and conversation with each other. An inexpensive social catalyst adding much more meaning to their lives!
People also develop a sense of pride owning a pet and gives them a purpose for continued living. A companion animal offers the elderly, amongst other things: unconditional love, confidentiality, warmth for the arthritic joints and body, protection, something to talk to and a good listener, a feeling of belonging and the feeling of family membership. Pets are an antidote to stress and affectionate social contact is a positive contributor for recovery after any illness or surgery. In Ecclesiastes 6: 16 it says “A faithful friend is the medicine of life”. Why are we failing hands down in this necessary service to our senior family members and friends?!
Article courtesy of Dr. Platzhund
PetSure's Medical Advisor
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Clive E Berman is the Managing Director of PetSure (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)
PetSure is a licensed Financial Services Provider FSP Number: 9846.
PetSure is underwritten by the Hollard Insurance Company (Pty) Ltd
(Reg. No. 1952/003004/06)
