The roles of pets in long-term care at home: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Pets play very important roles for older adults. However, whether the same roles apply to pets of care clients receiving long-term care at home (LTCH) is unclear. This study aimed primarily to explore whether the roles of pets for LTCH-clients who own pets are comparable to the roles of pets for older adults in the general population. Furthermore, we explored potential pet-related problems that might be encountered in LTCH in practice, and the potential influences of pet ownership on caregiving relationships. These insights may help improve long-term care services in LTCH. Methods This project started with a study using the Consensual Qualitative Research method (CQR). We conducted semi-structured interviews based on themes from our previous review (e.g., Relational Aspects, Emotional Aspects, and Social Aspects). Secondly, an online survey was used to confirm the findings from the CQR study by calculating Content Validity Index scores (in SPSS 26) regarding contents, relevance, and clarity. The survey also included open-ended questions on potential pet-related problems and their impact on caregiving relationships for LTCH-clients, family caregivers, and professional caregivers. Results The CQR study found that the roles pets play for LTCH-clients (N = 8), family caregivers (N = 10), and professional caregivers (N = 10) were similar to the roles pets play for older adults in the general population. The online survey confirmed most of the CQR findings. In the survey, LTCH-clients (N = 4), family caregivers (N = 8), professional caregivers (N = 8), and researchers in human-animal studies and in geriatric care (N = 5) reported various potential problems that could arise from pet ownership by LTCH-clients, such as clients with deteriorating health being forced to part with their pets. Participants also reported potential positive and negative effects of pet ownership on caregiving relationships, such as pets being a nice topic of conversation, or, conversely, a source of disagreement in the LTCH context. Conclusions The roles pets play for LTCH-clients seem comparable to the roles pets play for older adults in the general population. In addition, LTCH-clients might experience pet-related problems specific to the LTCH context. Pets may influence caregiving relationships, either positively or negatively. Therefore, instruments and guidelines are needed to account for pets in LTCH.

The development of the PET@home toolkit: An experience-based co-design method study

“…The systematic literature review ( Reniers et al, 2023a ) and subsequently conducted Consensual Qualitative Research method study ( Reniers et al, 2023b ) led to the development of seven conversation cards for professional caregivers. Each card explains a distinct theme; for example the bond between a client receiving home care and their pet.…”

“…We developed the PET@home Toolkit using the Experience-Based Co-Design method ( Melchior et al, 2016 ). In preparation for this study, we conducted a qualitative systematic review ( Reniers et al, 2023a ) followed by semi-structured interviews using the Consensual Qualitative Research method and administered an online questionnaire to assess the content validity of the outcomes from the interview analyses ( Reniers et al, 2023b ). The outcomes of both these phases are reported in separate publications ( Reniers et al, 2023a ; Reniers et al, 2023b ), and provided the initial foundation for developing toolkit materials centred around seven themes identified in the literature review, namely relational aspects, reflection and meaning, emotional aspects, aspects of caregiving, physical health, social aspects, and bidirectional behaviour ( Reniers et al, 2023a ).…”

“…Pet ownership can provide purpose in the lives of clients receiving home care and play vital roles for clients, such as serving as companions, sources of emotional support, and subjects of care ( Reniers et al, 2023b ; Taeckens et al, 2023 ). However, the health status of clients receiving home care introduces challenges related to pet care.…”

“…However, the health status of clients receiving home care introduces challenges related to pet care. These challenges encompass the deterioration of the health of clients, reliance on others (e.g., family caregivers) for pet care, potential delays in seeking healthcare (e.g., postponing hospitalisation), and the likelihood of professional caregivers harbouring fears or allergies related to pets ( Enders-Slegers and Hediger, 2019 ; Reniers et al, 2023b ). Consequently, while pet ownership by clients receiving home care may have various advantages, it also has potential negative implications within the home care environment.…”