Alfie: Emotional Support Assistant

OLC Care is highlighting the incredible roles therapy dogs play in aged care. They might be our best friends, but some very special dogs also spend their time breaking down barriers, bringing joy and connection, giving comfort and support, and calming anxious minds and spirits. Like Alfie, who is emotional support assistant with owner Sylvia Liu, the manager of compliance and education working across OLC Care homes.

Sylvia has seen first-hand the healing power of dogs at OLC Care homes and elsewhere, and thinks of her West Highland Terriers, or Westies, as " angels in disguise". "There is just something about dogs," she says. " It is hard to put into words sometimes but I think there is an intuitive connection between dogs and people. Dogs know things."

The list of therapeutic benefits is long. Alfie is a conversation starter between Sylvia and the residents and amongst residents who might otherwise be strangers, or who may have forgotten they have met before. Alfie helps build connections and a sense of community. He brings joy and pleasure, warmth and touch. He prompts reminiscences and, for those living with dementia, long forgotten memories. He provides companionship.

Sylvia has seen how Alfie has helped people who are grieving a loss, or feeling depressed or lonely. She has also seen how Alfie can calm people's anxieties or challenging behaviour. ' There was one lady in one of our OLC Homes' memory support units who did not ever speak to me or make eye contact,' recalled Sylvia. " One day, I decided to take Alfie in with me and when I put him on her lap she spoke her first words to me."

Sylvia said "Alfie is very savvy and he is very at home with people and people with him. He senses things. sometimes he will cuddle in with people or sometimes he will know and just go and sit at someone's feet."