CQUniversity Paramedic Science students have visited nursing homes and engaged with dementia patients. They've also provided pet therapy to nursing home residents by bringing in animals.

The students have been involved with community engagement projects based on the nine National Health Priorities, as part of CQUSPA (CQUniversity Student Paramedic Association) and the Paramedic program.

Jessica Morton provides a nail polish to a nursing home resident

Cheniel Steinscherer and Jessica Morton visited Warrina Nursing home in Innisfail, where they provided hand massages, nail polish and extended conversations to give the residents a sense of 'human touch'. They also arranged donation of magazines.

Jess said this was a rewarding experience for the students too.

"We gained more appreciation as to the precious nature of life. Our respect for those older than us and who have lived a different to life to us was deepened. It was exciting to be able to contribute to brightening the day of those who may not get very many visitors and put a few smiles on faces," she said.

"Our visit was appreciated and we were even offered payment by one lovely resident. (It's ok, we did kindly decline).

"It is definitely an important part of our role as student paramedics. We are both excited to participate in further community engagement in other areas of the community and with different needs."

Cheniel said the pet therapy enabled companionship, promoted verbal communication, mental stimulation and physical contact, and prevented feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Cheniel Steinscherer engages with a nursing home resident

"One resident ... is generally quite unresponsive and cranky, but when with an animal (especially cats) she will chat with the animal, tell it how her day is, what she is doing etc.

"It's actually pretty amazing to watch! We also visited dementia residents, some of who had similar looking cats in the past and regressed back to owning that cat and were also very responsive."

Pet therapy was well received