When Huntleigh Home manager Anna brings her dog Mia to work, there is one person Mia loves to go and visit.
Anna says resident Keith has formed a special friendship with her pooch.
“Whenever I say to Mia ‘Let’s go see Keith’ she knows exactly where to go and leads me up the stairs to his room.”
Keith says he loves animals, and owned a cat called Lily prior to moving into the Enliven home in Karori.
When he sees Mia about once every week, he’ll take her for a short walk beside the main road.
“When we go out in the street that’s Mia’s territory, so she’ll bark at any other dog,” Keith says.
“She’s also happy to just lie on my bed while I read the newspaper or watch TV – she’s very patient.”
Anna says Keith’s connection with Mia means he gets out and about more when he takes her for walks.
“Spending time with Mia helps Keith to have a bit more contentment and joy.”
She says Enliven’s philosophy of care, which aligns with the Eden Alternative, emphasises the importance of meaningful connection with animals.
“Having a dog visit consistently who is friendly and well-behaved is an added bonus to a residents’ day.”
Creating a connection with a furry or four-legged friend can provide an antidote to loneliness, which can be a common feeling experienced among elders.
Many Enliven homes also have resident pets, and if it works, new residents are welcome to bring their pets with them when they move into an Enliven home.
Huntleigh Home offers rest home and hospital care, short-term respite, health recovery care and a day programme. To learn more about the home or the elder-centred Enliven philosophy, visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz or call 04 464 2020.
