www.ohca.com FALL/WINTER 2022 The Oregon Caregiver 23 SPONSORED CONTENT • If a community is situated in or near a rural area, ask a local farmer or rancher bringing in a few livestock animals for a parking lot “fair.” Speaking of fairs, many state and county fairs are easily accessible by short car trips and can facilitate animal engagement with a hearty dose of reminiscence to boot. Farm animals from chickens and geese to pigs, cattle, goats, and horses are all on display. There may even be an area designated for petting some animals that seniors can enjoy. If you are worried about accessibility, contact the fair organizers and ask about access for wheelchairs, walkers, or people who can only go short distances on foot. While animal interactions are best kept in-person, there are virtual options that residents can enjoy. From televised national dog shows to a visit with a family pet via video chat, seeing animals on the screen can delight devoted animal lovers from afar. There are many ways to engage residents with animals for improved quality of life, excitement, reminiscence, reduced stressed, and improved mood. With the right animal visitor, those feelings just might extend beyond residents to staff and visitors as well! There are many ways to engage residents with animals for improved quality of life, excitement, reminiscence, reduced stressed, and improved mood. With the right animal visitor, those feelings just might extend beyond residents to staff and visitors as well! Jen Bruning is the director of nutrition and brand innovation with Incite Strategic Partners, OHCA’s purchasing partner and an OHCA business partner. This article has been sponsored and provided by Incite Strategic Partners. References 1. Yakimicki ML, Edwards NE, Richards E, Beck AM. AnimalAssisted Intervention and Dementia: A Systematic Review. Clinical Nursing Research. 2019;28(1):9-29. doi:10.1177/1054773818756987. 2. Beetz A, Uvnäs-Moberg K, Julius H, Kotrschal K. Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of humananimal interactions: the possible role of oxytocin. Front Psychol. 2012 Jul 9;3:234. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234. PMID: 22866043; PMCID: PMC3408111. 3. https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/advertising/ primetime/chi-primetime-dogs-081011-story.html. 4. https://www.therapydogs.com/facility-information. 5. https://www.therapydogs.com/how-dogs-can-helpseniors. 6. https://eqliving.com/senior-care-meets-equine-therapy. A disabled senior man in wheelchair indoors playing with a pet dog at home—stock photo. Senior woman drinking morning coffee and talking with dog—stock photo.
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