But as you get older it can get more difficult to take care of a furry friend. The good news is that you might not have to go without the unconditional love, affection and occasional hilarity of an animal pal, even if you have to go into aged care.

In the UK, a ‘creative ageing’ charity called Equal Arts¹ launched a hen-keeping program aimed at engaging older residents in care homes. Residents love holding, patting and interacting with the chooks, as well as doing some of the work for their upkeep, like feeding them and refilling their water. Now, two aged care homes in Australia have implemented the HenPower Program too².

Health benefits of pet ownership

Although it may be a ‘creative’ program for an aged care facility, HenPower is rooted in science with several studies suggesting pet ownership has positive effects on long-term health³. And, it’s not always in the way you may think. Sure, having a dog will help give you the motivation you need to take a decent walk every day. But did you know that cats purr at a particular range of vibration⁴  that’s beneficial for improving joint mobility after an injury?⁵

Having a dog in the family home can significantly reduce a young child’s chances of developing an allergy⁶. Patting a live animal may help reduce anxiety in stressful situations⁷. Even less cuddly pets can help; one study suggested that caring for insects (this study looked at crickets) can help reduce depression and anxiety in elderly people⁸.

What’s available in Australia?

The benefits of animal interaction are well recognised in the Australian aged care professional community. Many facilities have animal visiting programs. But not all supported living facilities and aged care homes have pets living on site, and fewer still allow individuals to keep pets. Some may charge a little extra to cover the cost of minor maintenance and damage that can be caused by animals. Others may not charge a separate fee for pets, but due to their pet-friendly status, may have a long waiting list.

The good news is that several seniors’ advocacy groups and animal welfare organisations are running campaigns to help encourage more facilities to become pet friendly. The Animal Welfare League of Australia runs the ‘Positive Ageing in the Company of Animals Project’, which includes extensive information, and has even run a grant program in the past⁹. Evidence from international organisations like International Federation on Ageing also helps to progress this very good cause¹⁰.

Planning for yourself or your loved ones

It’s possible that the national aged care standards will eventually catch up to what science already knows about pet ownership. But while we wait, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for potential pet-related expenses. If you want to help make sure your (or your parents’) twilight years are spent in the company of a furry friend, get your ducks in a row (so to speak) early.

TelstraSuper Financial Planning Advisers can refer you to an estate planning specialist who can help you cater for your wishes in relation to your loved ones, including your furry friends. If you’d like to discuss your estate planning needs or if you have any other financial advice queries, contact 1300 033 166 or fill in our online contact form.

Footnotes

<sup>1. https://www.equalarts.org.uk/our-work/henpower
2. https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/hens-create-happiness-and-art-in-aged-care
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1774745/
4. http://www.dailyinfographic.com/the-healing-power-of-cat-purrs-infographic
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9303905
6. http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(03)02679-4/abstract
7. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1061580031000091582
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26383099
9. http://petfriendlyagedcare.com.au/
10. https://www.ifa-fiv.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Companion-Animals-and-Older-Persons-Full-Report-Online.pdf</sup>