The experience of animal therapy in residential aged care in New Zealand : a narrative analysis : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Date
2015
DOI
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Massey University
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Abstract
Volunteer-led animal visitation programmes are common within Aged Residential Care
facilities in New Zealand. Visits by animals and handlers, often referred to as Animal
Therapy, are primarily social and intended to improve the quality of life of people in
residential care. Animal Therapy has been shown to have both physiological and
psychological benefits for older people, including improvements in outlook and social
interaction. Very little research has been conducted in New Zealand, particularly on the
informal animal visitation programmes typical in care facilities in New Zealand. This project
examined the experience of animal therapy in aged residential care. In-depth interviews were
conducted with seven older people about their experiences of animal therapy, and analysed
using narrative analysis. Older people in residential care do value animal therapy, but it is
narrated as a fleeting pleasure, rather than having a long-lasting or far-reaching impact on the
daily experience of residential care. In some ways, the structure of the AAA programme may
underscore the challenges to everyday autonomy and identity in the everyday lived
experience of residential aged care. This can be used to develop services that acknowledge
the context of living in aged care for residents.
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Keywords
Animals, Therapeutic use, Nursing home patients, Older people, Rehabilitation