Puppy love at David Buttfield Centre Residential Aged Care in Gwelup
Volunteer Marie Davies and her six-year-old Labradoodle Max are on an important mission at Baptistcare David Buttfield Centre Residential Aged Care in Gwelup.
Scroll to Explore
28 May 2018
News
| Aged Care Homes
Volunteer Marie Davies and her six-year-old Labradoodle Max are on an important mission to spread the healing benefits of pet therapy to the residents at Baptistcare David Buttfield Centre Residential Care in Gwelup.
A desire to give back to the community along with Max’s calm and friendly disposition prompted Marie to become a volunteer.
“Max gives me so much comfort and companionship and I wanted to be able to share that with others,” she shared.
Marie and Max are regular visitors to Baptistcare David Buttfield Centre on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
According to Hannah Motamedi, Lifestyle Coordinator at Baptistcare David Buttfield Centre, the benefits of pet therapy are incredible.
“We see our residents making a connection with Max and have noticed improvements in mood, mental wellbeing and an increase in socialisation.”
“A pet provides something different for each person, for some that may be a friend, for others it is comfort or a sense of purpose,” Hannah said.
Pet therapy has been part of Baptistcare David Buttfield Centre’s dementia care and memory support unit for over 12 years, with Max joining a long line of canine visitors who have provided residents with a lot of joy.
Around the world, research has shown physical and psychological benefits resulting from pet therapy, citing positive reactions from people living with dementia who might otherwise not normally engage in activities but who respond to the presence of a dog or other therapy animals.
“We have seen similar reactions here. Our residents want to cuddle, pat, talk to and feed Max and his visits are a happy addition to their lives,” said Hannah.
Click here for more information about volunteering at BaptistCare.