Aug 18, 2020

Puppy play produces positivity for those living with dementia

We know that the love of a puppy can be one of the best feelings in the world, but did you also know that puppy play can have health benefits too? 

After noticing that the residents of Life Care’s Norman House in South Australia could do with some lighthearted fun, team leader Kirsty Chivers thought to bring her pair of french bulldogs, Barry and Zara to visit with the residents twice a week. 

Coming to visit over 40 residents, Ms Chivers said that she’s noticed improvements in enthusiasm, mood, wellbeing and mental cognition since her pups started coming for playtime. 

“Some of our guests were withdrawn, anxious or shy when they started visiting but with Barry and Zara by their side they’re happy to participate in games and activities and interact with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.”

In times like the ones we’re in now, it’s important to find some joy in your day. Having regular visits from some loving and loveable dogs are no doubt the perfect antidote. 

Life Care - Norman House pets (media)
Resident John Russell with the dogs, Zara (left) and Barry (right)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Could Neighbourly Care have Prevented an Elderly Couple Dying Alone?

Anne and Geoffrey Iddon were a married couple living in Palm Beach. They were in their eighties and were “together all the time” according to neighbours. Sadly, the couple were found dead in their home earlier this week. Police were called to the couple’s house shortly before 9am on Tuesday after friends informed the police... Read More

Violent Attacks On Seniors By Australian Teenagers A Growing Concern

A recent spate of crimes committed against seniors by young Australians has been raising some concern this week, as more incidents begin to surface. Earlier this week, two teenagers aged 18 and 19-years-of-age were charged with serious assault for crash tackling an unsuspecting 72-year-old woman in an unprovoked attack on a Sunshine Coast beach. Police... Read More

Understanding the Unequivocal Rights of People Living with Dementia: Express Yourself with Behavioural Expression (Part 2)

Please ensure you have read the published Part 1 of this article, and have located the relevant appendices. Definition of behavioural expression Behavioural expression can be defined as: ‘Behaviour of such intensity, regularity and extent that the physical welfare of a person and others may be placed, or is likely to be placed in serious... Read More
Advertisement