Pet Therapy and Senior Adult Wellness

At any age, the connection between people and animals is very special. It’s no surprise that the bond between person and animal, in the form of pet therapy can provide legitimate benefits to the person’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Pets are more than just adorable friends. Pet therapy is a diverse type of therapy that involves facilitating human interactions with animals as part of a therapy approach. In addition to helping people with physical, mental, or emotional illnesses, pet therapy can also provide fun and entertainment for older adults. Many people appreciate the genuine love and affection animals provide.

Pet therapy can occur in a range of settings including retirement communities, hospices, rehabilitation centers, and the homes of older adults. Many older adults already engage in pet therapy daily because they have a beloved pet at home. Animals used in pet therapy range from domesticated cats and dogs to farm animals.  Animals who are therapy trained must go through a basic obedience course and be well socialized as well as understand how to interact with older adults who have limited mobility.

 

A Look at the History of Pet Therapy

Although not called pet therapy until the 1960s, animals have been used to help humans heal for centuries. In the 1700s, dogs were used for patients with psychiatric disorders. The documented use of therapy pets began in the United States in 1919, starting with psychiatric patients.

In 1962, child psychiatrist Dr. Boris Levinson began documenting his use of pet therapy, which led to it being considered as a legitimate type of therapy. Dr. Levinson used dogs in his treatment of children and found that they helped improve communication and build rapport with his patients. In the 1970s, Dr. Levinson’s work was expanded to include adolescents and adults. Animals were first used in the care of patients in the hospital setting in the 1970s, and in 1975 this type of therapy moved to long-term care settings. Over the course of history, pet therapy has been shown to decrease stress and blood pressure, as well as factors connected to patient satisfaction and health.

 

The Trio of Benefits from Pet Therapy

Pet therapy offers a trifecta of benefits for older adults: emotional support, physical well-being, and mental stimulation. It’s incredible how our furry friends can positively impact us in so many ways!

Emotional Benefits of Pet Therapy for Older Adults

• Increased self-esteem and confidence
• Improved social skills
• Reduced risk of depression
• Lessened levels of anxiety
• Reduced feelings of loneliness
• An increased ability to show gentleness and caring

 

Physical Benefits of Pet Therapy for Older Adults

• Increased levels of exercise
• More mobility from caring for a pet
• Lowered blood pressure
• Reduction in depression, stress, and anxiety levels
• Improved physical skills for more intensive programs
• Reduces overall physical pain

 

Mental Benefits of Pet Therapy for Older Adults

• Improved mental stimulation
• Increased socialization
• Strengthened ability to plan for pet’s care
• Improved sense of purpose and meaning
• Memory stimulation
• Calming negative behaviors associated with dementia

 

Going Beyond the Trio of Benefits

In addition to helping patients of many backgrounds, pet therapy can be helpful to visiting family and friends as well.  Going to hospital visits or checking in on loved ones battling serious disease can be extremely stressful. Some pet therapies can help visitors to deal with their stress as well as the patient’s.

A study on animal therapy even found that the presence of and interaction with pets by healthcare staff members improved staff morale and decreased burnout.

Pet therapy comes with many benefits for people of various backgrounds and conditions. Some of these benefits are especially positive for older adults. Animals have a calming effect and are trained to recognize signs of anxiety and fear in people. Pet therapy can be very helpful for older adults who struggle with anxiety or fears, especially in cases of neurological diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

 

Another bonus of pet therapy is mental stimulation. Positive experiences with animals is mentally stimulating. The natural instinct for many around animals is to try to speak with and command them, older adults can learn to communicate with the animals, even non-verbally at times.

Pet therapy can also help older adults recall memories. A pet therapy plan geared towards improving memory and recall may help bring back past experiences with pets and information about the particular animal such as their name and breed.

Animal therapy can reduce loneliness in seniors by providing a source of support and comfort. They also can provide meaning. Petting, brushing, feeding, and talking to a pet can help patients feel needed and engaged. Pets also can help foster a sense of community, both by being a comfort themselves, as well as leading to social interaction with others. This has been found to be especially true for those who walk their dogs.

A physical benefit of pet therapy is the decrease in blood pressure, pain from various physical ailments, chronic or otherwise and the improvement and maintenance of motor skills.

One of the greatest benefits of pet therapy for older adults is the decrease in feelings of loneliness. Older adults, especially those who live alone, often feel lonely and alienated by their families. Having an animal to interact with can help curb those lonely feelings and keep them happier.

 

Considering Pet Therapy

Pet therapy can be useful for:

• people undergoing chemotherapy
• residents in long-term care facilities
• people hospitalized with chronic heart failure
• veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder
• children having physical or dental procedures
• stroke victims and people undergoing physical therapy to regain motor skills
• people with mental health disorders

The success of pet therapy depends on establishing realistic goals and expectations and meeting those goals. You and your doctor or therapist will establish these goals at the beginning of your treatment. You’ll also discuss how to reach those goals and how long it will take.

Pet therapy can help both children and adults with a variety of physical and mental issues. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase positivity and socialization.  It’s important to set goals when using this therapy. Talk to your doctor about more information on pet therapy and whether it might be right for you or a loved one.

 

 

Wanting to learn more about the positive impact of pet therapy among senior adults? The Ohio Masonic Communities is your go to resource. With three locations in Springfield, Waterville, and Medina, OH, their senior living communities offer 24/7 care and support for independent living, assisted living, and memory care. If you and your loved one are interested in senior living, schedule a tour at one of the scenic and beautiful communities. Call (877) 881-1623 today to learn more about their great senior living options.