Greyhound Rescue’s Australian first program, Hounds Helping Humans, is set to bring the joy of spending time with animals to more senior Australians following a successful trial.
Greyhound Rescue’s teams of handlers and hounds have been visiting residents at HammondCare’s Horsley, Wahroonga, and Darlinghurst aged care homes since June last year in a pilot program that has delivered tremendous results and improved outcomes for residents.
The partnership will now expand to more residential aged care sites, following an internal review that proved the program’s positives; strengthened relationships, elevated mood, and increased social connections were just some of the clear benefits for those involved.
Greyhounds are great for people in aged care because of their calm, affectionate nature and their higher stature, making them accessible to people confined to beds, chairs or wheelchairs.
Greyhound Rescue’s President and Lane Cove Local Nat Panzarino said:
“Feedback from the handlers on the pilot was overwhelmingly positive. They have enjoyed watching the special connections between the residents and greyhounds grow each week they visited. There is genuine excitement when the hounds arrive. The handlers have absolutely loved being involved as well, it’s very fulfilling, and for many of the hounds, it has quickly become their favourite activity.”
Greyhound Rescue Volunteers love the programme and have shared the following stories:
“One resident asked, ‘is he friendly?’. My hound answered by walking over to him and leaning against him in that special greyhound way that is guaranteed to make you feel happier and calmer. The resident’s face lit up, he was patting my hound and just smiling and smiling.”
“One lady in the common area was just sitting and smiling at my Greyhound Perseus. She couldn’t take her eyes off him and was grinning ear to ear. Feedback from other residents was this was a special reaction – she doesn’t normally react to anything!”
“We visited another bedridden resident. She brightens up when she sees us enter the room. We hang out together, and she gives our hound a pat and talks to him and talks to us. Looks like a real highlight for her. Her words: “Make sure you don’t skip my room!”
Animal Engagement and Dementia
Many of the 2000 HammondCare residents who will potentially benefit live with dementia.
Scientific research has found significant health benefits for people living with dementia from animal engagement, and previous animal engagement programs with seniors have pointed to improved quality of life through decreased loneliness and depression, increased physical activity, and improved socialisation.
Dementia Centre Head of Clinical Services Associate Professor Steve Macfarlane said:
“Research had found significant health benefits for people living with dementia from animal engagement.”
Previous animal engagement programs with seniors have pointed to improved quality of life through decreased loneliness and depression, increasing physical activity and improved socialisation.
What better way to evaluate the success of animal engagement than to see the reactions from the residents – they clearly enjoy the interactions immensely.”
How You Can Help Fund Hounds Helping Humans
Nat Panzarinso said:
“Greyhound Rescue is a volunteer-run organisation, and we rely on the public’s generosity to fund programs like Hounds Helping Humans.”
“Anyone who wishes to support the program and donate can visit https://www.hammond.com.au/taxappeal and make a contribution.”
Hounds for Humans Featured on The Project
Recently The Project ran a story on the Hounds for Humans Aged Care Programme. See the video below.
Greyhound Rescue Background
Greyhound Rescue is an independent Sydney-based charity that ethically rescues, lovingly rehabilitates and safely rehomes greyhounds no longer wanted by the racing industry. For many of these beautiful animals, Greyhound Rescue is their first experience of human kindness.
Meet Some Greyhounds
Have you ever wanted to know more about adopting a greyhound, or are you just a fan of sausage sizzles? Come and join Greyhound Rescue for a snag and a chinwag at PetO this Saturday, 27 May 2023, from 10 am -2 pm.
SavourLife and PetO have teamed up to help raise funds and awareness for local rescue groups. Their target is to donate $7,500 across 3 different rescue groups. This year Greyhound Rescue has been chosen to take part! If you’d like to help, SavourLife hit their target and help Greyhound Rescue, simply purchase any SavourLife food or treats from PetO between 16th-28th May 2023.
Greyhound Rescue Contact Information
Website: www.greyhoundrescue.com.au
Instagram: @greyhoundrescue
Facebook: @greyhoundrescuensw
Donate Here: Noodles4Noodles
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