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When someone enters a nursing home or other long term care facility, they may have had to give up a beloved pet in the move. Those of us who have pets of our own well know the value of the unconditional love and calming effect they can provide for us. It is not hard to train your pet to be a suitable visitor for nursing home residents, and in the process, it can strengthen the bond between you and your pet while opening the door to meeting some very nice people.
The first and most important step would be to call the nursing home and ask if they have a pet visitation program and/or policy. Most homes will require that your pet's vaccinations and shots are all up to date and that they are in good health. Since older persons, especially those in nursing home settings, often have lower immune systems than the general population, this is an important detail. Since rules concerning pets in a nursing care facility may differ widely by state, it is imperative that you find out what pertains to your area. This article deals primarily with training your pet to be a good visitor.
Leash training is recommended. Even a well behaved animal may behave unpredicatably in a new setting. It is very important to know the animal you are bringing in. It is most effective if the animal is your own and you already have a bond. Someone else's pet or a new pet may not trust you in this new situation enough to behave in a favorable manner.
A friendly, outgoing animal works better than a shy one. The main reason you are visiting in the first place is that residents will be able to pet and interact with the animal. The cat who purrs at the drop of a hat and will sit on anyone's lap as long as it is petted will be a bigger hit than a hyperactive pet who knows a dozen tricks but will not hold still to be touched.
Another important consideration is to determine in advance whether or not your animal will be skittish around wheelchairs. If possible, borrow one and wheel yourself around the house in it. If the animal becomes frightened by this, work on slowly desensitizing your pet to it.
Never force your pet on a resident who seems reluctant to reach out to it. Likewise, if for some reason your pet does not want to go to someone, don't push the issue. Keep a wary eye on the pet, and if she or he seems to become bored with this visiting thing for today, be prepared to leave. Coming again another day may be better than forcing the issue.
Many organizations sponsor training and/or pet visitation programs and offer support for this sort of volunteer job. Contact your area Humane Society or Red Cross to see if there is one in your area.
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