Pilot of an Animal-Assisted Activity program in residential aged care to support intergenerational and intercultural social connections for healthy ageing

Pets and People SuPAWters (PaPs) Program will explore the potential of using human-animal bonds in aged care, to facilitate social connections between three often marginalised and vulnerable groups at risk of loneliness and social isolation:
older Australians living in aged care facilities; migrants and refugees from community organisations; and international university students.

PaPs will be co-designed using an Action Research process, and evaluated using mixed methods. Monash and James Cook University social work students, undertaking fieldwork placements, will be supervised to facilitate the co-designed PaPs program, delivered in a hybrid model (both online using internet-enabled tablet technology and in-person interactions).