Research indicates that pets have important health benefits, including improved mood, lower blood pressure, increased exercise and the reduction in stress. But, if housing and/or caring for seniors, do these benefits outweigh any risks, and how might these be reduced by getting both the offer and the environment itself correct? This month, Lori is joined by three expert guests from the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom, to shed light on this often neglected, yet very important subject.

Guest: Dr. Jason Stull- Assistant Professor in Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, USA, and University of Prince Edward Island, Canada
Guest: Scott Witt-Founder and Managing Partner, Select Home Care, Portland, Oregon, USA
Guest: Ian Cole-General Manager, Hallmark Care Homes, Willingdon Park Manor
Hallmark Pets
Recordings Library, Webber Training (use "Stull" in the search bar)
Bunpuku, the Japanese end-of-life care dog (YouTube video)
Pets in nursing homes bring both benefits and risks - Reuters
Animals in Healthcare Facilities: Recommendations to Minimize Potential Risks, Cambridge University Press
Animals in Long-Term Care facilities, OSU Knowlege Bank
Health Benefits and Risks of Pets in Nursing Homes: A Survey of Facilities in Ohio, Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44
Reducing the risk of pet-associated zoonotic infections, Canadian Medical Association Journal
Pet-Friendly Senior Living, SeniorLiving.org

For links to the resources named in this and all our episodes, head over to our podcast page at ⁠⁠ThirdAge.Design⁠⁠. You'll also be able to pick up transcripts of our podcasts, and translate them, too!

And, while you're there, be sure to hit the Join Us! button to become part of our community and benefit from sharing essential information on senior environments...along with a TAD Extra: exclusive content that you'll receive right away!

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