When faced with a tub of puzzles, games, books and other toys, it seems an old favourite has stood the test of time – plush pets.
Four Logan aged care facilities have gifted residents tubs of games and activities to keep their minds active in what can often be a lonely environment.
And plush pets have by far been the most popular medicine.
Since December 2022, the Rotary Club of Beenleigh has raised money to purchase over 100 plush pet companions.
The toys are lifelike and available in different breeds and sizes of cats and dogs. They are made from recycled plastics.
The Rotary Club said the plush toy companions were purchased “to help provide residents comfort that helps bring back memories of a pet.”
Staff at the homes revealed that residents were overjoyed while choosing their companions. The pets were given names and included in games.
The success of the plush animals prompted continued praises from all four nursing homes, with reports of residents “patting, brushing, and talking to their pets”.
Additional anecdotes revealed that interactions between residents also increased, as well as staff-resident relationships.
Since December 2022, 116 plush pet companions have been donated across the four centres.
The Rotary Club said the “impact on the aged care residents has been marked and has exceeded the expectation of the Lifestyle Coordinators and members of the Rotary Club of Beenleigh.”
