Mary recently made opening remarks at the “Keeping older people and their pets together: supporting older pet owners at home,” information session that was hosted by the Pets and Aged Care Steering Group, at the Hughes Community Centre.
The Pets and Aged Care Steering Group was formed in mid 2011 as a direct result of the “A Conversation on Pets and Aged Care” forum that Mary hosted at the ACT Legislative Assembly in May of that year.
The session talked about ways to support low income, older pet owners who face temporary medical and other crises. It looked at successful in-home pet support programs in communities around Australia and issues that need to be addressed.
“As you are aware, many older Canberrans will age at home; and for some, especially those who are socially isolated, a pet is their essential daily companion,” Mary said.
“However, when older people face temporary medical and other crises, a pet may be difficult to physically manage and they may risk the trauma of losing a beloved pet, and the pet facing an uncertain future. This is distressing for all involved,” she added.
The information session was addressed by Jan Phillips, Karen Schlieper, Dr. John Aspley-Davis, Heike Hanher and John Vilskersts; all who have vast experience in this area and all have been active in supporting the work of the steering committee.
The group was recently incorporated and is now known as Pets and Positive Ageing Inc.
“I congratulate the Pets and Positive Ageing Inc. on their incorporation and for keeping this important conversation going by hosting this forum,” Mary concluded.
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