Is there anyone who doesn’t feel a little lift when they see a puppy playing or hear a cat purr? Pets bring so much joy to our lives with their unconditional love, playfulness and constant companionship. But did you know that pets can also improve your health – in every aspect of life?
“Over the years, we’ve learned that having pets isn’t just good for your heart; they’re good for your entire person,” says Trish McKay, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull, a memory care assisted living community in Trumbull, CT. “Being around our fuzzy friends has lots of benefits, like reducing stress and improving our overall happiness.”
It makes sense then, she says, that more and more senior living communities – particularly memory care communities like Bridges®by EPOCH at Trumbull – are starting to incorporate pet therapy into everyday life for their residents. “Whether it’s a dog, a cat, a bird or even a fish, the benefits of pets for people with dementia are obvious. Pets don’t judge, criticize or talk down to you – making them perfect companions for those with cognitive disease. Just having a pet nearby can help reduce the symptoms caused by dementia, like loneliness, agitation, anxiety and irritability.”
What Is Pet Therapy?
Pet therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. It’s used to help someone cope or manage a health problem or mental issue.
Is pet therapy a new phenomenon? Actually, according to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, pet therapy can be traced back all the way to the ancient Greeks. The first animal therapists were horses, but today the most commonly used pets are dogs and cats. However, horses, as well as fish, guinea pigs, hedgehogs and any other type of pet can be used. Therapy animals need to pass certain screening criteria, and the type of animal can often reflect the person’s treatment plan.
There are two specific types of pet therapies: animal-assisted therapy (AAT), which is a formal, structured set of sessions that are designed to help an individual meet specific goals. Animal-assisted activities are more casual, and most often take the form of casual meetings where the animal interacts with people for recreation or comfort.
The Benefits of Pet Therapy
Senior adults living in community settings enjoy many benefits from pet therapy. Here are just some of the handful that have been noted by experts:
Increased physical activity.
Anyone who owns a dog knows that they require at least one walk a day. Pet therapy gives seniors a chance to get up and move around with a furry friend. Residents can get more physical activity by taking walks or playing fetch with a dog, getting up to pet a cat or simply taking care of tasks like feeding a pet or grooming them. Any sort of physical activity can improve joint pain and motor skills, which can help improve balance, flexibility and strength – all good things that can help reduce falls, increase physical health and boost mood.
Improved self-esteem and sense of purpose.
Dementia is a progressive disease, and as seniors lose their various abilities, they are prone to suffer depression, low self-esteem and a loss of confidence. This is a vicious cycle that results in further depression, further deterioration of abilities and so on. Taking care of a pet and spending time with animals, however, give residents a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which improves self-esteem and confidence. Having a creature rely on you and appreciate your efforts? That feels good, no matter how old or young you are.
Reduced stress.
Who doesn’t love spending time with a cute puppy or a friendly dog? As it turns out, that happiness is infectious. Spending time with an animal releases the “happy hormone” – endorphins – in our brains, which results in feeling calmer and reducing our stress levels. This is beneficial for individuals with dementia, who are often stressed, anxious or frustrated due to the difficulties presented by their disease. As a bonus, reducing stress also results in better cardiovascular health, too.
Reduced risk of depression.
Being isolated and alienated leads to depression, but having a pet naturally forces you into more social contact. Oftentimes, pet therapy takes place in a group of people, leading naturally to more social interaction. However, research has shown that interacting with an animal gives you as much joy and interaction as being with other humans. Plus, animals can form incredibly strong bonds with people without the use of language – and when a dog looks at you lovingly, it’s hard to feel alone.
A better diet and improved nutrition.
Surprisingly, having animals around can actually increase appetites and prompt better nutrition. According to a study published in the Western Journal of Nursing Research, residents who had a pet (even if they were simply fish) ended up eating more, eating better food and maintaining a healthier weight.
“We believe pets are a vital part of any person’s life, which is why Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull participates in pet therapy and is also a pet-friendly community,” says Trish. “We also provide pet care for our residents’ beloved pets, so they never have to worry about their furry friend’s well-being – they can simply reap the priceless benefits.”
Dedicated Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull delivers highly specialized memory care assisted living for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our resident-centered approach focuses on providing dignity, purpose and moments of joy in daily life for those in all stages of the disease. We offer a wellness-focused lifestyle that centers around a resident’s current skills and abilities, not those that have been lost to dementia.
Life-Enriching Programs
Our team members take an active role in getting to know each resident on a personal level to deliver programming that is meaningful to them. We account for the preferences, interests, needs and abilities of our residents to connect with them and encourage their involvement in daily life and boost self-esteem.
Warm, Residential Atmosphere
Featuring a stunning residential design, every inch of our community has been designed to benefit those with memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable, safe and at home.
Contact us today to learn more.