We can all agree that dogs are the best. It is a well-acknowledged fact that today, in a pioneering Australian program, recovered greyhounds will engage and help seniors living in nursing facilities, including those with dementia.
In a first for Australia trial program, senior patients at HammondCare’s residential aged care facilities will interact with rescued greyhounds.
The initiative will expand on earlier senior-animal engagement programs that have demonstrated a significant improvement in residents’ quality of life by reducing isolation and despair and promoting socializing and physical activity.
Studies have shown that taking care of animals can be a source of support, stress alleviation, and purpose for people with dementia.
According to Alzheimers.org, encounters with animals can be energizing or an exciting part of a person’s day because they are such amazing sources of affection and humor.
Greyhounds will be specifically chosen for the resident visits as part of the concept called Hounds Helping Humans. The canines will come from Greyhound Rescue, the largest independent rehabilitation and rehoming organization for greyhounds in Australia and a recipient of numerous awards.
The puppies will receive training to get them ready for the sights, sounds, activities, and equipment (such as carts and wheelchairs) they’ll see in an aged care facility. Additionally, communication skills will be covered in the training to promote deep connections between the residents and the greyhounds.
There are currently 13 volunteer hound and handler teams visiting three different nursing homes, with most homes receiving a few visits each week.
The Hounds Helping Humans project is just one of the initiatives that fall under the umbrella of the Life Engagement Project. Its main objective is to give locals more opportunities to pursue their interests and pastimes in a variety of fields, including the performing arts, visual arts, music, sports, and animal interaction.
Volunteers from Greyhound Rescue have already transported some greyhounds to facilities for mental health and senior care. Visiting nursing homes with her dog Jessi, Shelley Tinworth said: “Many older folks tell us about their animals growing up, and it got me to thinking how hard it must be for those in supported care not to have that connection any longer. When this program was announced, I thought Jessi would be perfect as she has so much love to give, and is always happy to receive that back in return.”
Horsley resident Thelma Connaughton, 83, spoke affectionately about greyhound LB, short for Long Black, after spending some time with her at the launch of the Hounds Helping Humans program. “She is just so lovely, so beautiful – absolutely beautiful!”
In an interview with Nat Panzarino, president of Greyhound Rescue, for Bored Panda, she revealed that one of her own greyhounds, Joey, who tragically went away last year, served as the project’s inspiration. He served as a Greyhound Rescue ambassador for seven years, and according to her, he had a very unique way of relating to people—even those who weren’t “dog people.”
He always recognized who needed him to be there and had a modest demeanor. We spent a few years visiting the mental health ward of a big Sydney hospital after I registered him in a therapy dog program.
If “one greyhound could bring so much joy and comfort,” she reasoned, “then imagine the impact of a complete program using greyhounds.”
Considering that most people associate greyhounds with the racing industry, this initiative will be able to demonstrate how gentle and amazing these dogs truly are, especially when it comes to providing company for those in wheelchairs or those who are confined to beds. “Apart from bringing a lot of joy to a lot of people,” according to at, “will be to show greyhounds in a different light.”
In addition to working with other underserved and vulnerable areas, she added, “We do hope to expand the program outside the elderly care industry and into the mental health field.” What better way to spread the enchantment to more people than by sending greyhounds to the areas where they are most needed, namely to brighten the lives of those who want for company and connection.
HammondCare CEO Mike Baird believes that meaningful involvement with everyday life is crucial to everyone’s wellbeing. “I am delighted that one part of this Life Engagement Pilot is evaluating how animal engagement and support can improve quality of life for residents,” he said.
“What a wonderful outcome if rescued greyhounds can be given a new purpose providing happiness for those who are older in the community.”
As stated by their website, their “passion is improving quality of life for people in need.” If you’d like to support HammondCare initiatives, there is a link here.
