One of the many interesting findings arising from the COVID-19 lockdown experience in our little community here at Kerikeri Retirement Village was how companion animals made the experience so much more bearable for those with them.
While it’s well known that animals provide superb companionship for the elderly, it’s generally less well known that they help to maintain or even improve physical, social and emotional health. Here’s the science bit: when you stroke or cuddle a pet a chemical reaction takes place in your body - mood enhancing hormones such as serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin are produced while fewer stress hormones than normal are released.
It’s for this reason that we encourage companion animals here at the Village. Even in our care facility, where the residents really appreciate pets coming in to visit. The difference that just patting a dog for a few minutes can make to people’s lives is remarkable to witness and lovely to see.
But we find a certain level of resistance from among residents who are concerned that they will become too frail to take care of their pets, or unable to afford the cost of any treatments they may require. They worry that they won’t be able to walk the dog or even drive the cat to the vet.
Of course, these are all totally understandable concerns. But so many of them could be dealt with through family or community support. We’re always looking for community volunteers here at the Village and any animal lovers out there who would be prepared to give some of our residents a hand with their companion animals would always be welcomed warmly.
Of course, the issue doesn’t stop or start at our gates. There are very many elderly who don’t live in retirement villages but who do have companion animals.
I heard of a situation recently involving an elderly gentleman and his large dog. The two are very closely bonded but the man was starting to neglect the dog slightly and its health was beginning to suffer. An intervention was necessary for the sake of its health. The man no longer drives and the vets couldn’t make a home visit, so a ‘doggie carer’ was located who was able to visit regularly to ensure that the animal was being correctly exercised and cared for. What a win-win-win situation - the man and his companion were able to stay together, the dog was kept out of the rescue shelter and the doggie-carer was able to do what she loved.
In times of isolation and loneliness pets make all the difference to some people’s lives. As a community, are we doing enough to support our elderly in having the pet contact they need? We can all keep an eye out for those around us and, where necessary, help maintain these special bonds.
