Companions in Presence: Animal Assistants and Eldercare

Abstract

Honoring the scholarship and teaching of Professor William M. Clements, this critically reflective essay expands the possibilities for a ministry of presence. The paper argues that animals can be helpful companions in care with elderly adults. The author draws from experiential stories, object relations theory, process theology, and empirical studies, to argue the beneficial aspects of animal assistants for human care receivers and caregivers. A creation-inclusive relational theology informs strategies for care.

Animals in the Workplace: Employer Rights and Responsibilities

“…Other studies have confirmed that the presence of pets lowers blood pressure, raises survival chances after heart attacks, and facilitates social contact (Sable, 1995). Pets have been shown to be effective in reducing loneliness, anxiety, and depression (McConnell, Brown, Shoda, Stayton, & Martin, 2011) and animal assisted therapy is so successful that it is now widespread in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices (Koppel, 2011). Serpell (2006) has advocated for animals as "agents of socialization" (p. 3) and providers of "relaxation and social support" (p. 3).…”