Libby Spencer, Housing LIN The role of animals in mitigating Loneliness and supporting healthy ageing Libby Spencer, Housing LIN

The Society for Companion animal studies (SCAS) A charity founded in 1979. Based in Surrey, but with a national (and international) remit. Members are drawn from housing and social care professionals Founder member of International Association of Human-animal interaction organisations (IAHAIO) which reports to the World Health Organisation and United Nations Work focus is the human/ animal bond Of particular interest is how the human-animal bond can help disadvantaged groups including older people and removing barriers to animal interaction http://www.scas.org.uk/emmas-blog-pets-and-housing-february-2018/

Submission to the Jo Cox Commission on loneliness Animal companions have an important role to play in the lives of older people, particularly those living alone. Animals provide friendship, comfort and support and encourage feelings of independence. They encourage laughter, play and spontaneity. Owners value the relationship they have with their pet, which is non-judgemental and involves unconditional acceptance. Caring for a pet provides opportunities to nurture and be nurtured Animals provide a tactile focus, recognised as important to health and improved cardio- vascular function The caring routine provides valuable structure, a reason to get up, activity, and purpose Healthier self ratings are recorded among adult pet owners The companionship of an animal mitigates against loneliness and depression and can help people better manage ill health and stress

Submission summary There is scientific evidence gathered over 40 years which demonstrates that interactions with companion animals can offer a plethora of effective yet low-cost health and social care benefits For those without their own pet, “animal assisted interventions” (pet therapy) can be introduced with proven benefits to people with a range of needs, including dementia. There is an inconsistent approach in the UK to allowing older people to keep their pets when they move into sheltered housing, extra care and residential care. Over 140,000 older people every year are forced to relinquish their animal companions when moving into retirement housing. The benefits associated with pet ownership are beginning to be viewed as a public health issue MP’s have sought to introduce Private Members bills to change the law so that there is a right to have an animal companion, but this issue remains unresolved.

Pet polices in Housing for older people and extra care housing Many social landlords have outright bans on pets in retirement housing and extra care. A small number are openly supportive, and some are quite vague about the matter with the decision being down to local discretion. SCAS cite housing managers concerns about being over-run with pets and pets causing a nuisance as being not proven and can be addressed through thorough polices and procedures A number of older people will agree/ be forced to give up their pet. Others will not see moving as an option and will be forced to remain in unsuitable accommodation. Private/ leasehold schemes appear to be more positive about pets, it is social rented schemes where there are the most restrictions

What next? Commissioners and housing should review their own policies and reduce restrictions where this is practical to do. Design issues should be considered eg ways to include a cat flap, or have an outside area where dogs are allowed. The LIN will continue to support the work of SCAS in its valuable work to raise the profile of this matter which has clear impacts on the health and wellbeing of older residents