It doesn't take a scientist to know that pets make humans
feel good; anyone who's ever stroked a dog's fur or felt a cat's thrumming purr
knows this. Science can, however, tell us how and why pets can be therapeutic.
Just 15 minutes bonding with an animal sets off a chemical chain reaction in
the brain, lowering levels of the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol and increasing
production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. The result: heart rate, blood
pressure and stress levels immediately drop. Over the long term, pet and human
interactions can lower cholesterol levels, fight depression and may even help
protect against heart disease and stroke. This is why pets for the elderly can
be so beneficial.
Pet Care & Senior Living
One of the biggest concerns of allowing seniors to bring
their beloved pets to assisted living communities is that the program needs to
ensure the pets' well-being. Duvall, Washington veterinarian, Dr. Kevin
Sievers, comments on the importance of the pets' needs: "Humans benefit
greatly from the companionship of a pet. An animal in the life of a senior can
give them new meaning and improve their well-being, so it is important for
seniors to have a pet in their living environment. I also think it's very important
to remember the health needs of the pets. Seniors can forget to properly
medicate or even feed their pets. Senior living communities need to be able to
help their residents care for their pets to ensure the health and happiness of
both the seniors and their pets." So the key to an overall healthy
relationship for both the senior and the pet is to have a pet friendly assisted
living community that can ensure proper care for the pet, if the owner is not
capable.
Fortunately, many senior living communities are on board
with this service and even have a Pet Care Coordinator at their communities to
help make sure all the pets are well cared for and are up-to-date on vaccines
and veterinary care. This ensures the pets are groomed, fed, walked and happy
when they otherwise wouldn't be if the senior is not able to perform these
responsibilities.
Pet Therapy’s Amazing Impact on Quality of Life
For seniors, the benefits of a furry companion can be
life-changing. Walking a dog is great cardiovascular exercise, but just the
simple act of caring for a pet-petting, brushing, feeding-provides both mild
activity and a means to stay engaged with the world. Pets can make the elderly
feel needed, and that feeling can translate into a greater sense of purpose and
self-worth. During what can be a lonely time of life, the unconditional love of
a cherished dog or cat can be a bridge to more socialization with others,
lowered stress, mental stimulation and a renewed interest in life.
In the past, a move to a nursing home or retirement
community meant giving up this important bond with the animal world. While many
retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes still
don't allow pets, it's great that many of these assisted living communities
have decided to integrate pets into their communities, as the pet therapy
benefits to the elderly is overwhelming.
"We don't just let them in," says Steve Winner,
co-founder of Silverado Senior Living with a chuckle, "we require them.
Pets are an integral part of what we do." From the start, Silverado has
embraced the power of pets and pet therapy for the elderly to make happier
lives for those affected by dementia.
Assisted living communities in the Silverado network not
only have dogs, cats and fish on site, but also miniature horses, llamas,
chinchillas, and even baby kangaroos. "We ask senior residents to help us
care for them," says Winner. "The responsibility of caring for other
living beings builds self-esteem."
Pets are not only beneficial to their owners, but have also
proven to have positive effects on other senior residents at assisted living
facilities. "Sometimes new residents can be withdrawn and not very
communicative, and it's the first interaction with an animal that draws them
out," says Winner. "They're pulled out of their shell by the
pets."
Pet Therapy’s Impact on Sundowners Syndrome & Dementia
Pet therapy for the elderly has also proven to be a
powerful tool for what's known as "Sundowners Syndrome" evening
periods of increased agitation and confusion in those with Sundowners Syndrome
& Dementia 's. Animals' non-verbal communication and profound acceptance
can be soothing for those with difficulty using language; some may even connect
with memories of their own treasured pets.
The San Diego Humane Society's Pet-Assisted Therapy Program
has noticed how even the most profoundly affected patients have displayed
improved appetite, more social interaction and tactile and cognitive
stimulation after interactions with pets. "Animals provide unconditional
love and emotional support in a way that is unparalleled. Our Pet-Assisted
Therapy program brings the joys of animals to people who are otherwise unable
to have an animal in their life, such as those living in facilities such as
convalescent homes, hospitals, mental health centers, children's homes and
juvenile detention centers," says Judith Eisenberg, Pet-Assisted Therapy
Coordinator for the San Diego Humane Society. "What an animal can give and
teach is a powerful source of healing and personal connection." In this
way, pet therapy is an excellent way to provide an extra dimension of happiness
to senior citizens.
We encourage you to contact communities individually to
learn about their pet policy and find out if there are weight or breed
restrictions as well as community pet care programs.
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Julia Heckathorn, 28, adopted two-year-old Boomeroo from a farm in Texas when she was just 3 weeks old. The pair have been inseparable ever since.
