Involuntary loneliness is something that more and more elderly people experience. Something that increases the risks of, among other things, mental illness.
At the elderly home Vardaga Norrgården in Sollentuna, they therefore work with animals in care.
– It has made a huge difference. Some of the residents who were mostly in bed wanted to come out and take part in activities, says operations manager Susanne Malkic.
Many elderly people in Sweden experience involuntary loneliness. Something that increases the risks of, among other things, impaired health, isolation and mental illness, according to several studies.
Vardaga Norrgården in Sollentuna is a home for the elderly where animals play an important role in trying to create a better quality of life and reduce involuntary loneliness for the elderly. Here they work with the project Animals in care and here chickens, dogs and budgies are part of everyday life.
– There is evidence behind this that shows that animals have a good effect on the elderly and have a positive effect on health and well-being, says Susanne Malkic, director of operations
– It has made a huge difference. Some of the residents who mostly stayed in bed wanted to come out and take part in activities. They have wanted to meet the chickens or the dog, she explains.
A channel to old memories
Just today, the nursing home in Sollentuna has a special guest – the mini pony Rocky walks around among the tables where the elderly sit and have coffee.
Boenden Margit Wallström herself had horses in her childhood and likes to pet Rocky.
– When I was little, we had three horses. Horses are wonderful animals, says Margit while the mini pony Rocky takes the opportunity to take a small bite on one of the wheelchairs at the table.
Ulrika Norrgård, who is in charge of activities, explains that the animals both create commitment and peace and quiet among the residents, but that there is also another purpose.
– It becomes like a channel to old memories: “my neighbor had a horse like that” and so on. Lots of memories and nice meetings, she says.
“Everyone lights up and wants to join in”
Basti Nauman sits and looks at the budgies. He thinks it’s good therapy work – animals that you can have social interaction with.
– When the animal enters the department, everyone lights up and wants to join in, he says.
Laila Nauman, a relative of Basti, explains that the nursing home’s work with animals in care was what made them choose that particular home.
– I guess we are an animal-crazy family. When I was told that they had animals here, we got in line right away when it was time.