The residents at Mercy Place East Melbourne have marked World Alzheimer’s Day 2017 with a special performance by The Wonderdogs.
The performing pooches are well-known for their roles in television commercials and films and entertained residents, their families and staff with an impressive array of tricks.
Research has shown that pets in aged care can improve people’s mood while reducing stress, fatigue and confusion. Every Mercy Health aged care home either has a live-in pet or receives regular animal visits.
“Pets of all shapes and sizes provide people living with dementia an opportunity to express their emotions, reminisce about their past and develop new bonds,” Mercy Health’s Chief Executive of Aged & Community Care Kevin Mercer said.
With around half of aged care residents having some form of dementia, we have to agree.
