“They ask for attention, and when someone responds, they give love and security and warmth in return, with no strings attached.”

What are they? They are our furry friends!

An Awake magazine quoted these words of Dr. Anthony Calabro of the Feeling Heart Foundation talking about pet therapy.

Life is a time of constant adjustment. As we age, we try to adapt to changing circumstances. Through it all, our goal is to stay happy, active, and connected. For many seniors, a wagging tail or a gentle purr is one step in the right direction. Pet therapy, the practice of spending time with a furry friend, is gaining popularity. It is an effective way to improve mental health and physical well-being. Animals can bring joy, comfort, and companionship to seniors. A playful dog, a calm cat, or even a small bird can brighten their days and warm their hearts in ways only a beloved pet can.

At Legacy Place, our residents love spending time with animals. Let’s explore how these loyal furry companions can make life both better and truly wonderful. We also include tips on how you can make pet therapy part of your routine without having pets!

Benefits of Pet Therapy

Pet therapy, or Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), is based on the human-animal bond. Interaction with a friendly animal can induce a sense of calm and ease. Animals may be able to provide seniors with comfort, alert guardians or family members about any potential dangers, or be an aide in their immediate requirements. Here are some proven benefits of pet therapy:

1) Decreases feelings of loneliness

A study published by the National Library of Medicine says that the human-animal bond may provide help by reducing boredom, increasing bodily activity, decreasing loneliness by improving social interactions, and improving mood.

2) Reduces stress

An article by the National Institute of Health suggests that interacting with animals is known to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure.

3)  Creates positive emotional responses

An article in Psychogeriatrics found that dog-assisted therapy in long-term elderly care facilities helped reduce symptoms of depression. In the study, dogs acted as facilitators of social interaction between the elderly and the human handlers. This helped to create positive emotional responses.

4) Gives a sense of purpose

An article from the Awake! magazine (February 2004) mentions the benefits of pets for the elderly. It quotes a doctor of veterinary medicine who said that animal pets, including dogs, “give purpose and meaning at a time when the elderly often are alienated from society.”

5) Complements medical therapy

An Awake! Magazine (1982) article titled “Psychiatry Goes To the Dogs” talks about the positive effects animals have on humans, which sometimes surpass the effects of medicinal therapy. As quoted at the outset, Dr. Anthony Calabro of the Feeling Heart Foundation, says: “Dogs give love​— unconditional love. They ask for attention, and when someone responds, they give love, security, and warmth in return, with no strings attached.” A “Watching the World” article in the Awake! magazine (1999) quotes: “Puppy love may help keep a person out of the doctor’s office. “”

 

Pet Therapy Without a Pet—How?

Animals relax people,” says Dr. Alan Beck, of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in Indiana, U.S.A. “They’re the focus of attention, a focus of touching.” The Awake article also brings out that such effects are seen even if the animal is not a family pet. This has led to a rise in “animal-assisted therapy.”

Having a pet brings joy to owners. But some families prefer not to have one for various reasons. It could be because pets need time and attention, which would not be easy to give with busy schedules. A pet also becomes a member of the family. Looking after their food, care, grooming, and other necessities might be difficult on a tight budget. Health issues, physical or lifestyle, and space limitations may also have one hesitating to bring a pet home. In this case, families can look for ways to include pet therapy in their routines without having a pet at home. Let’s take a look at a few tips:

1) Visit Animal Shelters

Regular visits to local animal shelters can provide interaction with animals without the long-term commitment. Families can volunteer to walk dogs, play with cats and turtles, pet horses, or help with basic care.

2) Schedule Pet Playdates

If you have relatives, neighbors, or friends with pets, why not arrange occasional playdates? This can give seniors an opportunity to bond with an animal in a controlled and temporary setting. Having close family members and friends around can enhance the experience, making it a group activity that all can enjoy.

3) Pet-Sitting

Offer to pet-sit for friends or relatives. This allows you to experience the benefits of having a pet, even if it is for a few hours. It is also a flexible way to integrate pet therapy into the lives of the elderly.

4) Create an animal-friendly environment at home.

Add a few elements of nature into your house settings, like fish tanks, birdhouses, and feeders. This can provide a soothing atmosphere and is a low-maintenance way to enjoy the presence of animals.

5) Organize Outings to Pet-Friendly Parks

Plan outings to pet-friendly parks or gardens where elderly family members can enjoy watching pets play or interact with friendly animals. This gives a chance for some fresh air and relaxation.

6) Incorporate Animal Art Therapy

Encourage elderly members to take part in art activities like drawing or painting animals. Creative expression focused on animals can be therapeutic and engaging, promoting relaxation and cognitive engagement.

7) Arrange for Animal Therapy Visits

Look for organizations that provide animal therapy visits to homes or senior living facilities. Certified therapy dogs or other animals can visit regularly to offer companionship and comfort to elderly family members.

8) Companion pets

Companion pets are cuddly life-like pets, specially designed for the elderly, and have been shown to reduce stress, loneliness, and depression. They are especially helpful for seniors who live with dementia and Alzheimer’s as they help them connect and remember previous pets and the sense of purpose that they felt while caring for them.

Pet Visits Bring Joy

Animals offer many benefits to humans. They can reduce stress and anxiety. They can also decrease loneliness and foster connections. As we navigate the golden years, having a furry friend by our side—whether permanently or occasionally—can make every day brighter and more meaningful. Pet therapy is a wonderful opportunity to bond with creation and experience its profound effects on the overall quality of life. Embracing it is a powerful reminder of the unwavering love and loyalty of animals to be enjoyed even in the simplest of moments.

At Legacy Place, we have a wonderful team of staff who arrange for pet visits often. Volunteers also arrange a visit with their pets so our residents can spend time with them. Here is a little video of our pet visits.

Would you like to Donate a Cuddle and bring your pet for a visit? Please contact us and let us know and we will try to arrange it.

 

Would you like to Donate towards arranging such pet visits and other activities for elderly ones? You can click here: Donate