Hannah the Cavoodle is quite the star, bringing love and light to local aged care residents.
Scientific research shows being around animals has many benefits for the elderly, including reduced stress and loneliness, increased social interaction and improved cognitive wellbeing. While Hannah may be little, she delivers these benefits and more in a BIG way!
Hannah’s owner/handler, Jilly Stansfield, said she started volunteering with Hannah after regularly visiting her own grandmother in her aged care home.
“Although my grandmother passed away some time ago, those visits left a lasting impression,” Jilly said. “I noticed many other residents didn’t have regular visitors – some had no one at all. It made me realise just how important connection is, especially for our older generation who, can I say, have great stories and sense of humour!
“I made it a goal to have a social dog I could train to visit aged care communities. Hannah has been a wellbeing dog since she was just eight months old. She recognises when we’re headed to our local aged care facility in Narangba – her tail starts wagging the moment we turn onto the street.
A Resident’s Perspective
“We visit residents in their rooms, where Hannah is always happy to greet them and receive a pat. Many residents can’t have pets of their own anymore, but that doesn’t stop them from sharing their love and Hannah gladly returns it.
“By the end of each visit, I’m never quite sure whose cup is fuller, theirs or ours. It’s a shared joy and something I feel grateful to be part of.”
Resident Wellbeing Coordinator at Narangba Community Aged Care, Alecia Lucas, said Hannah never fails to brighten the day of their residents.
“With her gentle nature and wagging tail, Hannah brings comfort, joy, and a sense of calm to everyone she visits,” Alecia said.
“Residents light up when she walks into the room – many share stories of their own pets, while others simply enjoy patting her soft fur and feeling her warm presence.
“Hannah’s visits are more than just a highlight – they’re moments of genuine connection and happiness.”
Follow Hannah’s journey on Instagram.
Read more stories from The North Lakes Guide print magazine here:
- In the North Lakes Loop: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Eco Eve: Living a More Environmentally Friendly Life!
- Podcast Review: How Did This Get Made?
- Bookworm
- Organic Gardening in September
- Art Hits the Sand in SWELL Style Again
- Colour Frenzy Returns to Lake Eden
- Girl Guides Urgently Seeking Volunteers to Lead the Way
- Act 1 Theatre Throws a Highland Fling
- A Roadmap of Rothwell’s Past
- Larrikin Puppets to Entertain Kids This School Holidays in North Lakes
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- Spring into Fun at This Year’s Encircle Spring Carnival
- Discover Ceramics at the North Pine Potters Open Day
- QCWA Best Ever Muffins
- Singing With Soul
- Spring into Adventure: Get Ready for the Great Outdoors
- Trash to Treasure Tour: Learn to Reuse, Recycle and Revamp
