GUELPH – Guelph Humane Society (GHS) is celebrating Seniors Month in Ontario this June with the commencement of their new Senior Support program.
Senior Support offers no-cost boarding services for the pets of older adults in Guelph and Wellington County who require hospitalization and face financial restraints.
The launch of this new program is thanks to a two-year, $55,000 grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada, geared towards expanding the Guelph Humane Society’s GHS Cares programs being offered in the community.
“There has been so much focus in recent years on the importance of the human-animal bond particularly for older adults who are more likely to experience loneliness or social isolation,” says Katherine Leonard, GHS community programs and outreach coordinator.
“Unfortunately, when an older adult is hospitalized or requires medical care, if there are no friends or family able to assist and there are financial challenges, there are limited options available.
“We never want to think of someone in the community delaying necessary medical care because they do not have somewhere for their pets to go, which is how Senior Support came to be.”
Older adults in Guelph or Wellington County who require hospitalization will qualify for Senior Support.
The program is not just limited to cats and dogs- although cats and dogs will likely account for most of the needs for care.
No-cost boarding services can be provided for any pets for up to eight weeks, with boarding typically offered in a foster home as opposed to the shelter setting.
Those who need help with their pets are encouraged to reach out to GHS at 519-824-3091 to discuss how help can be provided. Leonard anticipates most of the Senior Support clients will be referred to GHS through community agencies.
“For so many seniors, their pets are sole sources of companionship,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants at PetSmart Charities of Canada.
“We’re proud to lend our support for this innovative program that promises peace of mind for pet parents – and a warm welcome home from a hospital stay.”
“We anticipate that clients will be referred to us by a medical professional who has identified that an extended hospital stay is needed and knows that there will be a pet left behind at home,” explains Leonard.
“A community referral is always preferred, but not mandatory.
“However, we will require that an Elder Care Specialist or Social Worker at the treating hospital be involved with the client to help facilitate communication with us if needed.”
While the goal of Senior Support is to allow older adults in the community to receive medical care without having to surrender their pets or delay necessary care, there is so much potential to expand the services being offered in the future.
To learn more about the GHS Cares programs, www.guelphhumane.ca/care.
To donate to the Senior Support and other GHS Cares programs, make an online donation www.guelphhumane.ca/donate-online.
