Feline friends make life better for aged care residents

9:39 AM - 0 Comments

Two tortoiseshell cats are living their best lives at Glengara Private Aged Care in Tumbi Umbi with their owners Joan Simpson-Morgan and Elly Buchanan.

The pampered felines are so far the only fur residents at the $35 million, 70-apartment care facility on NSW’s Central Coast but more are expected to move in with future residents encouraged to bring their furry friends with them.

Glengara’s care manager Suzanne Bosworth said pets were a welcome addition to community life at the village.

“Owning a pet in your senior years can help improve your mood, increase your socialisation and keep you active,” she said.

“We know how special the bond is between pets and their owners and we’re proud to offer our residents the choice to keep their best friends near as their care needs change.”

Deciding factor

For Joan, the ability to bring her beloved cat Lucy with her was one of the major deciding factors in her choosing Glengara Care after living in Erina for 25 years.

Glengara Care diversional therapist Lauren Winstanley said residents being able to bring their pet with them helped make the transition that little bit easier.

“It’s also about maintaining some independence in the choice of keeping their pet and being able to care for it,” she said.

Joan said Lucy was very laid back, snuggly, social and affectionate.

“She loves going into the courtyard and being spoilt rotten by the staff.”

While Lucy spends a lot of her retirement lazing on the couch, Joan has embraced a more active lifestyle, participating in social activities.

Fellow resident Elly Buchanan (78) has had her cat Puss-Puss for eight years after adopting her from the pound in Wyong. Happy that Puss-Puss (lead image) was allowed to join her at Glengara Care, the pair moved into the facility in May 2021.

Elly said Puss-Puss loved watching the world go by from the veranda of her care apartment.

“She’s a smooch and very friendly once she gets to know you. We have lots of cuddles,” Elly said.

Health and wellbeing benefits

Ms Winstanley said there were great benefits for residents who can have their pet with them at Glengara Care.

“Being an animal lover myself and the fur-mum of two crazy dogs, I know that having pets are great for easing anxiety and stress,” she said.

“I can’t think of anything worse than having to leave a pet behind because circumstances have changed and you’re unable to live without assistance anymore.

“There are also the physical benefits. It’s been scientifically proven that pets reduce blood pressure, fatigue and confusion while boosting enthusiasm, physical activity and social wellbeing.”

Why choose Glengara Care?

Glengara Care by RetireAustralia is a premium and positive alternative to aged care located within the existing Glengara Retirement Village on NSW’s Central Coast.

Glengara Care Apartments offer the privacy of a separate bedroom, lounge area, bathroom and kitchenette, with views to the internal atrium and rural landscape.

Meals are prepared by professional chefs and the care team is on hand 24/7 to meet the needs of residents, including an emergency response team and high level day-to-day support and clinical services.

Residents also benefit from access to Glengara Retirement Village’s wide range of existing facilities and activities, including expansive gardens, a bowls green, gym, cafe, private treatment rooms, bar, swimming pool and beauty salon.

To find out more about the Glengara Care offering, visit glengaracare.com.au or call 1800 955 070.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest