Have you ever looked around your
neighbourhood and noticed the number of people walking their dogs, or who own
cats, or have birds or fish or guinea pigs or other pets.
Can you think of the benefits of a pet in
your life or your family's life? What
does the research tell us about pet ownership?
I was reading an old project report the other
day from a project run in Tasmania many years ago, headed by Pam Parks.
In it, the project initially asked how many clients
or consumers living in group homes or CRU's (Community Residential Units) owned
pets? (Very few)
and
What were the reasons why clients/consumers
did not own pets in these home environments?
Interestingly, for many, it was the
staff attitude and belief the clients did not have the skills or did not have
the skills to learn to care for the animal? Therefore, all the tasks would then be staff
tasks to complete.
In developing the project in partnership
with a local animal rescue shelter some areas were identified for support and
change. Once it was identified a client did want a pet...
1. Identify the task in the pet care and
interaction the client could do;
2. Develop a task analysis of the task;
3. Develop visual supports for the client to
begin to learn the steps in the task;
4. Provide support to the client to learn
these steps with support from the staff;
4. Ensure symbols and language about pets was
included in the persons communication systems.
Look around you. Has pet ownership in CRU's
and group homes changed? why or why not?
Cathy
0466 579 855.
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