In my graduation thesis I researched the importance of introducing domestic animals in the home for the elderly Tisje. In the theoretical part of my thesis, I first defined the concept of aging and proceeding from this I focused on homes for the elderly in general, and later on continued with needs that elderly people have. In the following chapters I firstly discussed the relationship between man and animals throughout history, then I focused on the impact that animals have on humans physically, mentally and socially. Finally, the last two chapters are devoted to the discussion of domestic animals in homes for the elderly in general and the importance of domestic animals in residents lives from social works point of view. I conducted a qualitative research with the help of which I wanted to find out the importance of domestic animals in both units (Litija and Črni Potok) of the home for the elderly Tisje. Firstly, I was interested in experiences that the residents had with domestic animals while they were still living at home, secondly, I inquired residents about the meaning of engaging with animals in a home, thirdly I wanted to know about the role that domestic animals play in well-being of elderly and finally I was interested in the role of domestic animals in creating social contacts of an elderly person. Lastly, I inquired residents about potential suggestions regarding current domestic animals in their home. The results indicate that domestic animals in homes are of great importance for the elderly, as residents, regardless of positive or negative experiences from home environments, cultivate positive emotions towards animals in their home. Animals bring a routine into their institutionalized lives that is very similar to the routine they had while living in their home environment, as well as occupation that keeps the residents busy. In the field of mental well-being, residents reported that animals are evoking positive feelings in them, in the field of physical well-being residents reported that they are noticing physical activity related to caring for the animal and in the field of creating social contacts residents are noticing that animals often play a role of a companion or they are an ice-breaker at the start of conversations with others. Residents also reported a homier atmosphere as well as the fact that animals act as an attraction for home visitors. Opinions referring to the idea that each resident could bring their own animal into the home for the elderly are divided, however they do wish for a pet cat and an outdoor dog. Firstly, I suggest that this knowledge about the importance of domestic animals in homes for the elderly is passed on to employees of other homes in Slovenia. Secondly, I suggest that cooperation with animals in homes for the elderly is made possible for residents who are immobile and therefore unable to reach the animals on their own. For further research I suggest, that more residents of different homes for the elderly, as well as employees, are included in the research in order to obtain the most diverse results possible.
|
