Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy or AAT, involves using animals to provide therapeutic support and improve the physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being of individuals.
This form of therapy has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its positive impact on human health. One particular group that greatly benefits from pet therapy is older adult residents living in long-term care communities.
The Benefits of Pet Therapy for Older Adults
As people live longer, they may experience physical limitations, chronic health conditions, and feelings of loneliness and isolation. These factors can greatly impact their overall well-being and quality of life. However, studies have shown that interacting with animals through pet therapy can bring about numerous benefits for residents, including:
- Improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression: Spending time with animals can boost the production of serotonin and dopamine, the feel-good hormones that help improve mood and reduce feelings of sadness or depression.
- Increased physical activity: Many older adult residents may have limited mobility, making it difficult for them to engage in physical activities. However, with pet therapy, they are encouraged to interact with the animals by petting, playing, or taking walks together, leading to increased physical activity.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Petting an animal has been shown to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) in humans. This can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety in residents who may be dealing with various health issues or life changes.
- Improved socialization: Pet therapy creates a positive and non-judgmental environment for interaction, which can help break down barriers and encourage residents to engage in conversation and foster new relationships.
- Increased sense of purpose and responsibility: Taking care of a pet, even for a short period of time during therapy sessions, can give residents a sense of purpose and responsibility. This can be especially beneficial for those who may feel like they have lost their independence due to aging.
The Impact of Pet Therapy on Long-Term Care Communities
Pet therapy has also been shown to have positive effects on the overall atmosphere and dynamics within long-term care communities. By incorporating animals into the daily routine, residents and staff members alike may experience an increase in overall happiness and a decrease in stress levels.
- Improved community dynamic: Bringing animals into long-term care communities can help create a more positive and uplifting atmosphere. This can lead to improved relationships between residents and staff, as well as among residents themselves.
- Enhanced communication: Animals are known to be great conversation starters, which can help facilitate communication between residents who may struggle with social interactions. This can also improve communication between staff members and residents.
- Promoting a sense of home: For many older adults, moving into a long-term care facility can feel like losing their independence and home. Incorporating pet therapy helps create a more homelike environment and promotes a sense of familiarity and comfort.
- Decreased feelings of loneliness: Loneliness is a common issue among older adults who may not have regular contact with family or friends. Pet therapy can help alleviate feelings of loneliness by providing companionship and unconditional love from animals.
- Positive effects on mental health: Pet therapy has been shown to decrease stress levels and improve overall mood. This can be particularly beneficial for residents who may struggle with depression or anxiety.
Incorporating Animal Therapy into Long-Term Care Communities
There are a few different ways that long-term care communities can incorporate animal therapy into their daily routines. Some options include:
- Adopting a community pet: Many long-term care communities have adopted a resident cat or dog as the “community pet”. These animals live on-site and provide constant companionship for residents and staff.
- Organizing regular visits from certified therapy animals: Some organizations, such as Pet Partners, offer programs where trained and certified therapy animals visit long-term care facilities on a regular basis.
- Allowing residents to bring in their own pets: Depending on the rules and regulations of the community, some residents may be able to bring in their own pets to live with them.
- Hosting animal-themed events and activities: In addition to regular visits from therapy animals, long-term care communities can also plan events and activities centered around animals. This could include pet parades, animal art classes, or even a day dedicated to dressing up as your favorite furry friend.
Enhancing Well-being with Pet Therapy at Juniper
Pet therapy has numerous benefits for the older adults in long-term care communities. It not only promotes physical health but also has positive effects on mental health, communication, and community dynamics. Incorporating animal therapy into long-term care communities can be a simple yet effective way to enhance the overall well-being of residents.
At Juniper Village at Newark, we have seen firsthand the positive impact animal therapy has on our residents. We believe that animal therapy is an essential part of providing holistic care for older adults and will continue to incorporate it into our daily routines.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our community and our commitment to promoting the physical, mental, and emotional health of our residents.