Ready to make a decision
but not sure where to start?
We can help.

"*" indicates required fields

By submitting your inquiry you consent to your information being used by RSL LifeCare in accordance with its Privacy Policy.
What is RSL Life Care? Find out
2 mins read 12 December 2017

Pet Therapy – more than just cuddly dogs

Man’s best friend might be your dog, but in country NSW it might also be your chook, your pony or even your lama! At Thomas Eccles Gardens, Yass, pet therapy visits are taken to a whole new level with visiting miniature ponies that bring the memories of farm life flooding back.

Benefits of Pet Therapy for the Elderly

Across RSL LifeCare, we understand how important pet therapy is. The connection between the elderly and animals not only provides a great amount of fun but also comfort, emotional warmth, a reduction in stress and a trigger for memories of times past.

Pet Therapy at RSL LifeCare

We have birds, chickens, rabbits, resident dogs and even a lama that live permanently with us. We have to visit animals as well, and at RSL LifeCare Agris Hutrof House in Thirlmere, we open our doors (and gardens) as a training facility for pet-therapy-dogs-in-training.

Our young veterans in the Homes for Heroes program have the opportunity to be a part of an Equine Therapy program which has resulted, time after time, in remarkable results. As one young veteran put it:

“With animals, they have the measure of you. When you step into the ring with a horse, they know how you’re feeling from 40 paces away. It will affect whether they allow you to approach them. It has taught me so much about myself – about my body language, about slowing my breathing down and relaxing, about forgetting about everything and being truly at the moment.”

Our observations across all our care homes confirm the special bond that mankind has with the animals on this earth. It is a joy to continue to foster those connections with our residents.

Continue Reading

Discover our Services


Home Care

Having a friendly face drop by and lend a hand at home can make a big difference. From housekeeping to post-hospital care, we're here to help.

Retirement Living

Enjoy life in one of our Retirement Villages, where maintenance is a thing of the past and secure, easy living is your everyday.

Residential Care

You'll feel right at home joining our community of warm and welcoming peers and team members. Live your best life, with care tailored to your needs.

Veteran Services

Our dedicated Veteran Services team help Australian veterans and their families by providing veteran-centric support and wellbeing programs.

Home Care

Having a friendly face drop by and lend a hand at home can make a big difference. From housekeeping to post-hospital care, we're here to help.

Retirement Living

Enjoy life in one of our Retirement Villages, where maintenance is a thing of the past and secure, easy living is your everyday.

Residential Care

You'll feel right at home joining our community of warm and welcoming peers and team members. Live your best life, with care tailored to your needs.

Veteran Services

Our dedicated Veteran Services team help Australian veterans and their families by providing veteran-centric support and wellbeing programs.

Download a brochure

We'll never share your email address and you can opt out at any time, we promise

Career Application Single

  • Accepted file types: docx, doc, pdf, Max. file size: 500 MB.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact Veteran Services

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Are you ready to explore a new operations role with extra benefits?

Take your career in a new direction RSL LifeCare.

Search for an operations role at an RSL LifeCare Residential Aged Care facility in the Southern NSW region. Take a look at all our current positions here.

1. 100% funding on participating certifications

Undertake a participating certification through the RSL LifeCare Earn and Learn Incentive Program1 and you could be eligible to have your learning fully funded.

2. Cash bonus of up to $1000 (less income tax).

Through the RSL LifeCare Sign-on Bonus, you could be eligible for two split payments of $500 (less income tax), when you start a new role with us.

Contact Homes for Heroes today