Pet therapy can offer companionship, ease stress, and improve your health. Connect with therapy pets through your senior living community.
According to UCI Health, a study of nearly 8,000 older adults who lived alone found that having a pet is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline. This includes verbal cognition, fluency, and memory. Cat owners also experienced a greater reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors.
If owning a pet is too daunting, consider pet therapy. You can enjoy calming activities, senior enrichment, and warm cuddles from a furry companion.
What is pet therapy, and what are the benefits of companion visits in Kalamazoo, MI? Read on to find out!
Pet therapy (or animal therapy) uses animals to help people cope with or recover from health conditions.Pet therapy may involve a variety of animals. It's considered an alternative or complementary therapy (meaning it shouldn't replace other treatments).
During pet therapy sessions, animals may:
The goal of pet therapy is to ease symptoms of a mental or physical health condition. Different forms of pet therapy can vary depending on:
How pet therapy works can vary based on your concerns and goals. For example, an animal may:
The American Veterinary Medical Association's requirements for pet therapy include:
Pet handlers must have a formal education. They must have credentials in healthcare or human services. Confirm that they hold specialized training in AAT theory and practice.
Before engaging in a pet therapy program, consider your goals. Work with a professional to determine how the animal will be incorporated into your treatment plan.
Animal therapy is based on the human-animal bond. It builds on the mutually beneficial relationship between animals and people. This bond may help:
Pet therapy may benefit your mental and physical health. Here are a few ways companion visits offer senior enrichment.
Pet therapy may help improve markers of stress by:
Reducing stress hormones (like cortisol) can improve your overall well-being. Otherwise, high cortisol levels can cause:
Pet therapy may help seniors with mental health conditions, such as:
According to a study published in Psychogeriatrics, dog-assisted therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of depression in elderly seniors. Dogs can encourage social interaction and positive emotional responses.
Animal therapy may help with markers of physical health conditions,including:
Pet therapy may encourage seniors to continue therapy or engage in other calming activities. For example, spending time with a dog may encourage you to walk more. Walking and other forms of exercise can boost your mood and potentially reduce signs of pain.
According to the American Heart Association, dog ownership may:
Pet therapy may help reduce blood pressure, improving your overall cardiovascular health. An animal's calming effect may increase the release of endorphins, which may help reduce stress and pain.
Therapy animals are trained to provide support and comfort. They're used in a variety of settings, including:
Therapy animals aren't trained to perform tasks for individuals. They're also not protected by the ADA or other federal programs. Instead, they work with a handler to provide comfort to people in group settings.
In some therapy pet programs, you can choose between a variety of animals. Some animals assist people with specific physical or mental health conditions.
There's not much research into animal-assisted therapy. Most people rely on anecdotal evidence when discussing the benefits. Potential drawbacks of pet therapy include the cost and resources it requires.
Look for pet therapy opportunities through your local senior living community. You won't have to worry about the cost or resources required. Instead, you can reap the benefits of companion visits in a safe environment.
Common types of animal-assisted therapy include:
Consult professionals at your senior living community to determine what types of therapy animals they have available.
Pet therapy can offer companionship, improving your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Consider experiencing these benefits firsthand through your local senior living community.
At LakeHouse Kalamazoo, we offer personalized, attentive care in a warm yet stimulating environment. Enjoy our exclusive lifestyle programs, including community outings to landmarks and museums, wellness classes, and engaging social activities like mahjong and educational classes. Contact us now to schedule your tour.