For seniors, the companionship of a pet can be an important tool in engaging and bringing purpose to your life. Spending time with a pet is a great way to reduce isolation and loneliness. It can reduce stress, bring comfort, and promote your overall health. Read on to find out more about pet therapy and how it can improve your health.
What is Pet Therapy?
Pet therapy allows for animals to interact with seniors to improve their health holistically. It can benefit your mental, emotional, and physical health. These animals are trained, obedient, well-socialized, and know how to interact with seniors that have limited mobility. They can range from farm animals such as horses to domesticated dogs and cats. Ultimately, the type of animal chosen depends on your own treatment plan or goals. Pet therapy can happen in a range of settings, including senior’s homes, retirement communities, hospices, and rehabilitation centers.
Types of Pet Therapy
Pet therapy consists of three main types, each with its unique benefits.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-Assisted Therapy is an intensive form of pet therapy for seniors who require major rehabilitation. As part of your therapy, you are paired with highly sensitive animals such as horses or dolphins. This can help build your confidence and promote relaxation.
Visitation Therapy
Visitation is the most popular type of pet therapy. It involves animals visiting you in your home or at your senior living community.
Ownership Therapy
Ownership therapy is where you own the pet yourself. This is a more long-term therapy option, and can especially benefit seniors who are able to properly care for a pet. This includes being able to pay for veterinary care and grooming services, as well as walking and exercising a pet.
Benefits of Pet Therapy
Pets can offer physical and mental benefits, especially for seniors who are at an increased risk of loneliness and isolation.
There are many emotional benefits of pet therapy for seniors. Studies have shown that pet owners cope better with stress, recover from illnesses faster, and are less likely to feel lonely. It was also found that spending even 15 minute with a pet can cause hormonal changes in the brain, reducing stress levels and increasing serotonin.
With the companionship of pets, you can reduce your risk of depression and anxiety and increase self-esteem and confidence. With this, you can improve your social skills as a result. Interacting with animals also allows for an increased ability to empathize and care for others.
Pet therapy offers many physical benefits as well. While these benefits can differ based on the type of therapy undertaken, they often include increased levels of exercise and mobility. This can improve your physical skills and lower blood pressure, reducing your risk of illnesses like arthritis and heart conditions.
At our retirement community, we strongly support the use of pet therapy, so our doors are open to welcome your furry friends. If you’re looking for a retirement community that is pet-friendly and offer personalized care services, contact us today to find out more!
