It has been claimed (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/3569698/Care-homes-traumatise-the-elderly-by-banning-much-loved-pets.html) that more than 70% of care homes ban elderly residents from taking their pets with them into accommodation. It is maintained that the pets often give a focus to the elderly owner, reducing their blood pressure and leading to a decline in the amount of required medication. For some old folk, moving to the home may mean the companion animal has to be rehoused or even euthanized. The medical benefits to the owner of having a pet are long-established (so long as infections or infestations are ruled out) but one can also see potential problems for the care homes. Some pets might irritate or endanger other residents, they might result in additional cleaning and might even render the home liable for damages. There is also the problem of what happens if the resident pre-deceases their pet! Having said all that, I personally favour at least a percentage of local care homes accommodating animals along with their owners. It's humane to both parties.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Monday, 8 December 2008
Care Home Companions
It has been claimed (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/3569698/Care-homes-traumatise-the-elderly-by-banning-much-loved-pets.html) that more than 70% of care homes ban elderly residents from taking their pets with them into accommodation. It is maintained that the pets often give a focus to the elderly owner, reducing their blood pressure and leading to a decline in the amount of required medication. For some old folk, moving to the home may mean the companion animal has to be rehoused or even euthanized. The medical benefits to the owner of having a pet are long-established (so long as infections or infestations are ruled out) but one can also see potential problems for the care homes. Some pets might irritate or endanger other residents, they might result in additional cleaning and might even render the home liable for damages. There is also the problem of what happens if the resident pre-deceases their pet! Having said all that, I personally favour at least a percentage of local care homes accommodating animals along with their owners. It's humane to both parties.
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