There’s just something magical about owning a pet. Even on the worst day ever, it’s practically impossible to not smile when you see your dog’s ear-to-ear grin, or when your cat jumps up on your lap and headbutts your chin. Even seeing your fish wiggle up and down the side of their aquarium when they see you is enough to lift the spirits. Yes, pets are our fuzzy little buddies – but their benefits go far beyond simple companionship.
“It’s long been proven that having a pet is good for us and actually has health benefits,” says Lori Luzzo, Executive Director of Bridges® at Pembroke, a memory care assisted living community in Pembroke, MA. Benefits include a lower heart rate and blood pressure, lower levels of cortisol (informally known as the “stress hormone”) and higher levels of serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone). “After seeing these positive health results, it’s no surprise that community pets are becoming the standard in memory care communities,” says Lori. In fact, some communities are hiring coordinators whose sole job is to help provide and take care of pets for the residents.
“Anyone who’s had a pet can attest to their unconditional affection and love, and we’ve seen firsthand how animals form a special connection with people who have dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease,” says Lori. “There’s been a definite shift towards making our communities feel less like facilities and more like homes, which is why it’s not surprising that pet therapy has increased in prevalence.”
According to Dr. Bill Thomas, founder of ChangingAging.org, bringing in pets, plants and children – all innocent living things that require care – can help combat the feelings of helplessness, loneliness and boredom that many seniors in communities may feel. “Let’s be honest, though – we don’t need an expert to tell us how beneficial pets can be for anyone of any age,” says Lori. “There’s something intangible about a pet’s love that speaks to us, no matter how old we are or what abilities we may have. Feeling your cat contentedly purr on your lap or seeing your dog’s tail wag uncontrollably around you is priceless in so many ways.”
The Benefits of Pet Therapy
Over the past few years, there have been literally hundreds of articles and research papers that have praised the benefits of pet therapy for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other forms of memory loss. Here are just a handful of the benefits experts have noted:
- An improved, happier mood.
Many studies have noted that seniors who participate in pet therapy have more social interaction and an improved mood than those who don’t have the opportunity to interact with four-legged friends. This is incredibly beneficial, since people with dementia have a higher risk of developing depression, which can worsen their symptoms and decrease their quality of life. Having animals to interact with can create happier, healthier individuals at any stage of memory loss. - Feeling calmer and more relaxed.
In a 2008 study, a group of psychologists noticed that animal-assisted therapy in a small sample of nursing home residents showed that the individuals who interacted with pets had lower blood pressure, a calmer mood and fewer unwanted behaviors than those who did not participate. In fact, another study noted that, following the visit of a therapy dog to a memory care community, residents had a significant decrease in challenging behaviors such as aggression and agitation. - A better diet and improved nutrition.
Can having animals around help one eat better? Signs point to yes – and it doesn’t have to be fuzzy animals, either. A study published in the Western Journal of Nursing Research found that, when aquariums were placed in memory care facilities, the residents ate more and their weight increased. This then decreased the need for the residents to take nutritional supplements in order to stay healthy. - Increased socialization.
Interacting with animals lead to interacting with others. One research project found that, following pet therapy sessions, individuals with dementia showed an increased interest and incidence in social interaction. Staying social is one of the biggest factors in helping retain abilities and reducing the progression of dementia. - A higher incidence of physical activity.
Staying physically active has many benefits for all of us. For individuals with dementia, regular physical activity can help retain abilities, improve health and mood and reduce the incidence of troubling behaviors. It has been shown that having pets around helps increase the amount of physical activity residents experience – since dogs always need walking, cats enjoy playing and other animals require some form of physical activity.
The Different Kinds of Pet Therapy
Pet therapy can run the gamut – from dogs to cats to gerbils to guinea pigs and even horses, all it takes is an animal with a good temperament, who’s well-trained and is very people-friendly. However, an animal doesn’t have to have fur to be a therapy pet! Fish, reptiles and birds can be beneficial as well in different ways.
The most successful pet therapy is based on the animal-human bond, and encompasses three points: owner, patient and pet. For dementia patients, the ultimate purpose is to help individuals cope with emotional or health issues and help improve their well-being and mood.
There are three main types of therapy involving pets:
- Therapeutic visitation. This is the most common form of pet therapy and involves individuals bringing their pets to memory care communities to visit the residents. This allows individuals to enjoy the companionship and joy a pet can provide without having to deal with the expense and upkeep it entails.
- Animal-assisted therapy. This type of therapy involves animals that can help occupational and physical therapists improve the abilities and quality of life of their patients. By brushing or petting the animal, patients can improve their mobility. Playing fetch can help with limb coordination and mental state.
- Faculty therapy. This is when a community has an on-site pet that lives at the community and is there for the express purpose of engaging with the residents. This provides residents the opportunity to enjoy pet ownership without having to deal with the tedious realities, while the animals get the enjoyment of human companionship practically 24/7.
“Pet therapy requires a little additional work on the community’s part, but the benefits it provides residents and families are incredibly significant,” says Lori. “At Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke, we know that pet therapy, while requiring a little additional work, provides amazing benefits to our residents. The unconditional love and acceptance of a pet, plus the therapeutic effects of physical touch, can improve our residents’ quality of life no matter what stage of dementia they are in.”
Compassionate Care for All Stages of Memory Loss
Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke provides assisted living memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Dedicated Memory Care
The team of compassionate dementia-care experts at Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke delivers 24-hour assistance and inspiring programs that exercise physical and cognitive abilities – all in a supportive, purposefully designed environment. For added peace of mind, we offer simple, all-inclusive pricing options that help make the process a little easier for families.
Community Amenities
Characterized by a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke provides everything residents with memory loss need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a peaceful and secure environment where residents feel at home.
Contact us today to learn more.