Call on govt to fund feline companions in aged care

A research team is calling for the government to fund pets in aged care to improve residents' mental health.

The University of South Australia (UniSA) published its study on implementing foster cats into aged care earlier this year.

UniSA researcher and project lead Dr Janette Young said we can no longer deny the potential of human-animal relationships to improve the quality of life for older Australians.

"Older people in residential care need and deserve a supportive, healthy environment – this is a moral imperative," Young said.

"Yet too often, we've seen the system break under pressure.

"One of the most unrecognised issues of ageing is touch deprivation, and pets can offer crucial support."

Pets have been shown to reduce blood pressure, stress, and anxiety, ease loneliness and encourage exercise and routine. 

Particularly during Covid, many Australians reached for pets to fulfil the lack of human interaction and touch. 

Pet ownership increased by 13 per cent over the pandemic, where now roughly 30.4m households in Australia have at least one pet (69 per cent).

Dog ownership has surged since 2019, with an additional million dogs introduced to households.

Over 70 per cent of Australians reported that their relationship with their pet had significantly improved over the past two years.

"There's no doubt that Australians love their pets. In fact, we have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world," Young said.

"But as we get older, pet ownership declines, and so too do these benefits.

"Pets are there to pat and cuddle and can make all the difference to someone when they're feeling sad or down."

While some aged care homes have been exploring robotic animals to support the residents' mental health, live pets in facilities are rare.

It's estimated that 18 per cent of aged care homes would consider keeping pets. 

The UniSC team proposed a practical model of companion animals in aged care, including foster animals and personal pets.

"The intention is that two adult cats would live among the residents in a dedicated wing of an aged care facility and be cared for by a select group of trained staff and volunteers," Young said.

"The cats would help ease residents' loneliness, as well as relieve stress, anxiety, and depression."

Young said the study responded to issues in the Royal Commission's 2021 report, including a need for more innovation and support for residents' mental health. 

Aside from breaking down barriers for aged care providers in keeping cats, she said the only thing missing is government funding.

"We're right on the precipice of making significant changes to aged care that could positively change the everyday lives of residents.

"Positive ageing is not just about living a long life – it's about ageing well, enjoying your older years, and having purpose and comfort. 

"For pet-loving older people, this means including their beloved pets."

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