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Media Release
21 October 2009
Support for Yarra’s elderly and disabled pet owners
Yarra City Council is considering introducing an assistance program that would support elderly, frail and disabled residents in retaining their pets in their homes.
At its meeting on 20 October, Council resolved to explore options for implementing a volunteer program that would help vulnerable members of the community care for their pets.
Volunteers participating in the program would assist with tasks such as dog walking, cleaning out kennels and cages, and attending vet appointments, and foster animals while an owner is unwell or in hospital.
The program may also include providing a pet to older people or residents with a disability whose pets may have passed away or who may never have experienced the pleasure of owning a pet.
Mayor Cr Amanda Stone said the support provided through the proposed program could significantly improve the health and wellbeing of residents who were frail, disabled or suffer chronic illness.
“Pets provide great companionship and emotional support, with research showing that spending time with an animal can reduce depression and lower blood pressure,” Cr Stone said.
“Having a pet also gets people out and about in the community, which helps to keep residents mobile and socially connected,” she said.
“Having a volunteer visit on a regular basis would also provide social interaction and an important link for residents to access other care services available to them.
“This support may enable older residents to stay living in their homes for longer, which is a key aim in Council’s Positive Ageing Strategy.”
Following the Council resolution, Council officers will now investigate how the program could be delivered, including possible volunteer organisations that Council could partner with.
The officers’ report is expected to be considered by Council at its December 2009 meeting.
If Council decides to proceed with the program, a proposal for funding in the 2010/11 budget will be prepared and, if approved, the program could get underway in July 2010.
Residents are encouraged to register their interest in the proposed program by contacting Council on 9205 5555.
Further information
For media enquiries about this issue, please contact:
Ainslie Gowan
Coordinator Communications and Public Relations
Richmond Town Hall
333 Bridge Road Richmond
Telephone 9205 5177, 0400 933 700
Email ainslie.gowan@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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