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The perceived impact of caring for animals on adults with a learning disability. An exploratory study.
- Authors:
- FALLON Gene, KILGALLON Eilish
- Publisher:
- Southern Health and Social Care Trust
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 165
- Place of publication:
- Portadown
This pilot research study explored the perceived impact of caring for animals in a non-domestic setting upon adults with a learning disability. A total of 18 adults with a learning disability took part in the study and helped care for animals at an existing day-opportunities centre which was a partnership arrangement between the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA). Interviews were conducted with the adults participating in the study, their carers and the staff who oversaw the adults as they cared for the animals over a period of 20 weeks. The data were collected from individual interviews conducted on a before and after basis. The findings suggest that caring for animals in a non-domestic setting was perceived to have had a positive and beneficial effect upon the adults who took part in the study. Participants themselves, through their own words and those of their carers and staff, were reported to have experienced increases in self-confidence, independence and patience coupled with improved social skills. In addition to learning new and potentially transferrable skills, participants were also reported to have demonstrated positive interaction with animals and other participants, as well as indicating evidence of personal development and improved emotional well-being. This small study identifies perceptions of favourable effects on adults with a learning disability involved in caring for animals. It calls for further research to fully understand the impact of caring for animals on adults with a learning disability. (Edited publisher abstract)