Companion animals in aged care: The impact of action research on attitudinal change and policy-making

Demand for companion animals in aged care and policy in many institutions has caused resident dissatisfaction. Data from a third sector action research will be publically available so that those intending to move into aged care can access information about companion animal policy. Careful, accurate data collection, with strong community support, can exert inf luence on the policy process through the adoption of an action research approach. While third sector advocacy is often based on belief and values, government and the market expect policy based on evidence. Third sector organisations now conduct research and collect evidence to support policy claims.