We are looking for dog owners to be outdoor companions for the elderly in Riihimäki

Many elderly people need support and companionship for outdoor activities. In Riihimäki, we are looking for dog owners to be outdoor friends of elderly people living at home in cooperation with the Tossut ja tastsu liikkeille project of the Age Institute. As a result of the project, dog outdoor activities have been started in 13 localities.

"We encourage dog owners to do good and enable outdoor activities for the elderly who would otherwise not be able to go outside or need the support of a friend to go out," says Saini Suutari, coordinator of the Age Institute.

"We are pleased to be able to start dog walking friends activities in Riihimäki as well. We believe in the positive power of dogs and we hope to find new volunteers from dog people to move individual elderly people or to work in walking groups", say Niina Uusikartano from the Kotokartano Foundation and Reija Lumivuokko from the city of Riihimäki.

An ordinary house dog is suitable as an outdoor companion. The most important thing is that the dog is healthy and has a friendly attitude towards strangers. Going out with the dog should be effortless so that the volunteer can focus on the elderly. "The presence of a dog can be an important motivator for an elderly person to go outside. A dog also brings a lot of joy and a good mood," says Suutari.

Free training from the beginning of the year

Riihimäki organizes a free outdoor friend training in March. The training provides the skills to act as an outdoor companion for an elderly person with a dog. You can also come without a dog.

The "Be an outdoor friend for the elderly" training is organized in Riksula (at. Etelainen Asemakatu 2, Matkakeskus)

• Mon 4.3. from 16.00 to 19.00
• Mon 11.3. from 16.00 to 18.30

The second training session is intended only for dog owners and the dogs are included at that time.

 

More information and registration for training by February 26.2.2024, XNUMX:

niina.uusikartano@kotokartanosaatio.fi, tel. 050 308 4014

Slippers and paws to go (2022–2024) is a project coordinated by the Age Institute, which promotes the outdoor activities of the elderly through voluntary activities.