Animal-assisted support programs for residents in Canadian long-term care homes: a feasibility and acceptability study.

BACKGROUND

Animal-assisted services, specifically animal-assisted support programs (AASPs, pet therapy, animal-assisted therapy, animal-assisted activities), are promising programs that may improve the mental health and overall well-being of older adults living with and without dementia in long-term care (LTC) homes. Few studies have explored the perspectives of residents and LTC staff regarding AASPs for older adults. This study aimed to identify the initial perspectives of LTC staff regarding the feasibility, acceptability, and other factors influencing the implementation of a live AASP within Canadian LTC homes. Our secondary aim was to supplement the perspectives of the LTC staff with interviews from LTC residents and community members.

METHODS

Qualitative semi-structured individual and group interviews were conducted in 2022 and 2023 with LTC staff members from one LTC home in Alberta, Canada. Additional interviews with community members and LTC residents supplemented these interviews. The interviews were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's recommendations for thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Eighteen individuals were interviewed, including 14 LTC staff, 2 LTC residents, and 2 community members (one AASP volunteer and one individual living with dementia). Four key themes were identified: (1) Experiences with animals in LTC, (2) Acceptability and perceived benefits of AASPs, (3) Perceived challenges of AASPs and associated mitigators, and (4) Preferences and recommendations for AASPs in LTC.

CONCLUSIONS

AASPs have many potential benefits for residents and staff in LTC homes, including perceived improvements in mood and social engagement. Interview participants provided insights and recommendations for future AASPs, including understanding the challenges to implementing AASPs, such as the fear of animals. The interview findings will inform the design of an AASP intervention and a pilot study to implement and evaluate the intervention in LTC.