Pawsitive Healing: Unleashing the Benefits of Pet Therapy in Long Term Care
It’s no secret that when people age, they may face various physical and mental health challenges that can affect their overall well-being. One intervention that has been shown to have numerous benefits for older adults is pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Pet therapy involves interaction with animals, such as dogs, cats, or even birds, to improve physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Pet therapy has been found to have significant benefits for older adults living in long-term care facilities. One study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology found that pet therapy decreased depression, agitation, and aggression in nursing home residents with dementia. Additionally, pet therapy has been shown to improve cognitive function in older adults with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association found that pet therapy improved cognition, communication, and socialization in nursing home residents with dementia.
Mayfield, son of Ashley Strehl, getting pets for being the best boy!
Voyage Long Term Care is proud to have all of our facilities allow residents to have pets. We understand the cognitive and physical benefits pet therapy and also owning a pet have on our residents. A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that pet therapy reduced blood pressure in nursing home residents. A study that has been confirmed by our Physical therapist after having gone through our take on the scientific method.
It’s quite easy to realize that pet therapy can help promote physical activity in older adults by encouraging them to engage in activities such as walking or playing with their animal companions. This can improve mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and enhance overall physical health.
Pet therapy can also have a positive impact on the mental health and socialization of older adults. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that pet therapy decreased feelings of loneliness and social isolation in nursing home residents. From observing our four residents that have a pet in their residence, a common theme is the sense of purpose and meaning they provide, particularly for residents who may feel a loss of purpose after retirement or moving to a long-term care facility.
While each home has a dog or more as the star of the show every day, residents, staff, and especially the pups love Bring Your Dog to Work Day. This past Thursday the staff at both Skyview Nursing Center and Oak Hills Care Center brought in their dogs to perform some of the benefits of pet therapy. Nurse Kent Anderson from Skyview Nursing Center jokes "It's like a day full of wagging tails, this time it’s the dogs and not the residents". Kent brought his beautiful golden retriever Boomer, that residents got to walk on a leash around the facility. Anderson stated later he couldn’t tell who enjoyed that more, Boomer or the residents.
It is important to note that pet therapy should be implemented under the supervision of a professional to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animal and the older adult. This is the case for Voyage Long Term Care both in the facilities daily and on our BYDTWD. We understand not all individuals or residents may be suitable candidates for pet therapy, particularly those with allergies or phobias to animals.
Boomer on his leash just coming back from a walk
Pet therapy and the ownership of a pet has numerous benefits for older adults living in long-term care facilities, including cognitive, physical, and mental health benefits. As the population continues to age, incorporating pet therapy into long-term care facilities may become increasingly popular as a way to promote healthy aging. If you or a loved one is living in a long-term care facility, consider discussing the potential benefits of pet therapy with your healthcare provider.
