Janette Young1, Tijana Simic2, Torben Dahl Nielsen3
1Researcher, University of South Australia, 2Veterinarian, Musician, Educator, 3Veterinary Public Health Specialist, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide
Abstract:
Around 65% of Australian households live with pet animals, and for many people these relationships are life enhancing and even life saving. Yet very few pets are moving with their aged owners into residential aged care settings. There are many reasons for this however cautions with respect to zoonoses, pet fears and allergies, quality of care for animals, are all barriers identified to this occurring.
The SAFE (Safe Animal Friendly Environments) tool was developed to systematically enable assessment of the risks posed by inclusion of the most common species of pets (Dogs, Cats, Small mammals, Fish, Birds) in communal living aged care. Developed in partnership between species specialist veterinarians and aged care experts the tool steps through all the identified risks that these species may present in such environments: Animal to human, human to animal, animal to animal. Risks are assessed in terms of likelihood, level of impact, and ameliorating responses; and best practise case studies presented.
In this workshop participants will have the opportunity to work with some of the creators of the SAFE tool to develop pet inclusive approaches within their own settings. Considering the possible barriers, exploring creative responses and seeking to ensure that best quality care of humans and animals can be offered so that older pet owners are able to realistically consider bringing their loved fur/feather or fish family members with them into aged care.