Studies show that having a pet is good for seniors as it makes seniors feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. This is the reason why pet therapy also known as animal-assisted therapy is becoming more and more popular today.
In This Pet Theapy For Senior Article
What is Pet Therapy
Pet Therapy Program in Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
Physical Benefits of Pet Therapy
Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Pet Therapy
Interested in Pet Therapy
Pet therapy treatment involves human and animal interaction. It utilizes trained animals to promote health and healing for patients, including seniors who are depressed, chronically ill and have disabilities. The pets used for Pet Therapy treatment provide affectionate and unconditional love to recovering patients, making it an excellent supplemental treatment.
Pet Therapy Treatment in Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
Some assisted living facilities and nursing homes offer pet therapy to help improve the health of seniors who are chronically ill and have disabilities. For seniors who suffer depression, pet therapy can be beneficial as it can help them forget about their problems, even for a short period of time. Having a responsibility to care for a pet helps seniors gain confidence, as they begin to feel useful again, thus improving seniors’ quality of life.
Some seniors may feel lonely and depressed because of the following reasons:
The feeling of isolation or being lonely or depressed is not healthy for people especially for seniors. Studies show that the health of seniors who suffer from depression, decline rapidly compared to seniors who are active, always around other people or with pets at home.
If you’re senior loved one has some physical, mental or emotional problems, you might want to talk to the senior care facility administrator about the benefits of pet therapy treatment. Pets that are involved in pet therapy are calm, friendly, loving, well groomed, well trained and are able to respond to stay, sit and lay commands.
Remarkable observations have been made when patients interact with pets. Seniors who undergo pet therapy treatment seem to smile more often and surprisingly have normal heart rate and lower blood pressure. Research and studies suggest that animal therapy treatment provides several benefits to people, including seniors. Through animal assisted therapy, seniors are able to develop a deeper companionship with their pets, which results to physical, mental and emotional benefits.
Physical Benefits of Pet Therapy
Pet therapy treatment provides several physical health benefits to seniors like:
Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Pet Therapy
Due to the numerous health benefits of pet therapy, assisted living, nursing homes and other senior care facilities are starting to include pet therapy in their senior care program. If you feel that you or your elderly loved one can benefit from a pet therapy treatment program, be sure to contact the senior care facility’s administrator to get more details and to check program availability.
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Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.
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