Pooch play at Life Care eases older people’s dementia symptoms
Published: 23 Jul 2020
Company of the canine kind is helping older South Australians with dementia to feel at home while staying in respite care.
French bulldogs Barry and Zara visit more than 40 guests with varying stages of dementia at Life Care’s Norman House respite care home in Everard Park twice per week.
Life Care’s Norman House team leader Kirsty Chivers, who owns the two dogs, initiated the visits last year after identifying the need for more light-hearted moments.
She says there has been a notable improvement in the enthusiasm, wellbeing and cognitive function of respite care guests since bringing Barry and Zara to Norman House.
“Some of our guests were withdrawn, anxious or shy when they started visiting but with Barry and Zara by their side they’re happy to participate in games and activities and interact with others,” Ms Chivers said.
“Barry and Zara’s companionship has had a calming effect, lifted the mood and improved guests’ self-esteem.
“Dementia has deteriorated many of our guests’ cognitive function. They can’t remember our staff’s names or each other’s, but almost everyone knows the dogs’ names.
“Our guests look forward to visiting Norman House and feel at home here because they know they’ll get to spend time with, play with and pet the dogs.”
Norman House provides quality day and overnight respite services, allowing carers to have a break knowing that the person whom they normally care for is in a happy, safe and homely atmosphere for a few hours or days.
Life Care is a not-for-profit South Australian provider of aged care services spanning independent living, home care, respite and full-time residential aged care. These services are offered across nine locations – Aldinga Beach, Christie Downs, Reynella, Mitchell Park, Everard Park, Glen Osmond, Joslin, Modbury and Balaklava.
The Unley-based organisation employs more than 800 staff, supported by 170 volunteers, and in 2020 celebrates 70 years of delivering care to older South Australians.
Further media information contact:
Ben Smeaton – bsmeaton@communikate.net.au or 0488 940 010
Vicki Cirillo – vcirillo@communikate.net.au or 0427 020 909