Fur, Fin, and Feather: Management of Animal Interactions in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities.

ABSTRACT: Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have been occurring in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) for more than 40 years and may relieve loneliness and improve quality of life. The presence of animals in RACF poses an inherent risk to residents and the animals involved. Little is known about the policies and guidelines for including animals in the Australian RACF. We anticipated that most RACFs would have some policies, but they may lack the detail necessary to keep humans and animals safe. Using an adapted survey, we surveyed and interviewed a small but representative sample of Australian RACF managers. The results demonstrated that RACF did have animal policies; however, the content regarding the need for hand washing, infection prevention, and animal welfare was lacking. Inc

SUBMITTER: Newton W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9774757 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature