Interim HealthCare Pals2Pets

Pals2Pets^® Helps Pet Owners Who Need Care at Home

Since we know a number of individuals receiving home care are pet owners, we realized a value in providing additional training for employees who are caring for these individuals. Interim HealthCare has partnered with the national Humane Society University to develop a series of advanced training courses for care professionals. The Pals2Pets^® program is part of Interim HealthCare’s HomeLife Enrichment^® Program, which focuses on helping people live enriched, safe and independent lives.

Pets are an important part of many peoples’ lives, perhaps even more so for the elderly. With late-life depression affecting about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, the very presence of a pet provides camaraderie to seniors, helping them realize they are not alone. According to a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, caring for a cat or dog helps elderly people overcome depression or loneliness. Whether it is from the loss of a loved one, not having family or friends nearby to interact with, or not being able to get out much, having a pet often gives seniors a sense of purpose. By providing employees who recognize the importance of pets and have received additional training, Interim HealthCare can better meet the needs of each individual.