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Project Spotlight
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Welcome to Givewell's Project Spotlight. Each month we highlight a project for which a charity is currently seeking funds. We also provide details on how to give directly for this project.
Background Information: POOPs was established to assist and support the elderly in the community care for their pets and to provide veterinary assistance when required. The Aged Care Assessment Team at St Joseph’s Hospital Auburn identified the problem in the community of elderly pet owners refusing to attend to their own medical needs as they had no one to care for their pets. St Joseph’s Hospital in conjunction with RSPCA NSW launched POOPs to provide this assistance and support. POOPs started in 2004 as a pilot scheme in the Auburn Local Government area however; due to the overwhelming response from outside this area it went Sydney wide in 2005. POOPs now covers the whole of the Sydney Metropolitan area. Project Description: The therapeutic benefits of pet ownership has been well documented, however, age and disability prevent many elderly owners from seeking veterinary attention for their pets. There are also a percentage of the elderly that have no concept of their pets needs. Pets are vital to the elderly in that they give them a purpose in life at a time when they feel that they are of no further use to the community. The pets provide loyal companionship and enable them to be maintained in their own homes for a longer period of time. Who in the community can access POOPs? Any elderly person, owning a pet that cannot access veterinary assistance due to age and disability – who does not have relatives or friends willing to take responsibility for the pet. How does POOPs work? Referrals are made to the POOPs Coordinator and can come from ACAT, Community Services, Community Nurses, Carers, Social Workers, Hospitals, RSPCA Inspectors, Council Rangers, and Anyone in the community. Community Care This involves monthly visits not only to apply flea treatment and worming for the pet but also for the social interaction to establish a rapport with the owner to gain their trust and for constant reassurance and support. Veterinary assistance is organised when required and grooming is organised as needed for the pet and owners comfort. This is extremely important as many subtle tasks are often beyond the older persons’ capabilities. Clients with dementia, as their mental state deteriorates are visited more frequently. They love their pet but with the progression of the disease they are unaware that they are either harming or neglecting their pet, putting their pets “at risk”. Foster Care Should the owner be required to attend to their own medical needs – having established a rapport with the owner – they trust us to care for their pets. Dogs go to the homes of our foster carers where they can continue to live in a family environment. As cats stress more than the dogs, where possible, they are kept in their own homes and fed by volunteers. Pets for Placement This situation occurs when it is decided that the owner is no longer safe to live alone and requires care. The pet is placed with a foster carer or is taken to the RSPCA until they are re-homed. Can anyone else access POOPs? Palliative Care patients of any age who do not have the social supports to assist them care for their pets can also access POOPs. It is a common practice for palliative care patients to have their pets’ euthanased rather than leave them to an unknown fate. What costs are involved? POOPs is a program of RSPCA NSW and St Joseph’s Hospital and relies on fundraising and donations to operate. Pet owners are asked to contribute a nominal amount for veterinary attention and grooming and POOPs pays the rest. The more foster cares and volunteers that we have the less costs will be incurred. The socially isolated elderly have a special bond with their pet that cannot be matched by anyone else; it is a relationship that could only be described as unique, magical and so very special. Can donors/grant makers give directly for this project? Yes. All donations over $2 are tax deductible and can be made by contacting RSPCA NSW on (02) 9770 7555 or St Joseph’s Hospital Auburn on (02) 9649 8941. Contact Details for Further Information: Ms Kath Gazzard, POOPs Coordinator Email: poops@rspcansw.org.au Web: www.rspcansw.org.au Previous Project Spotlights
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