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Pet Therapy for Seniors

An elder couple with their family and pets

Pet therapy for seniors is a fun interaction between a senior adult and an animal to help improve their quality of life.

Have you ever pet any animal? If so, you know the joy they bring. Studies show that bonding with any animal helps with physical, psychological, and emotional health.

“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, filling an emptiness we don’t even know we have.” -Thom Jones, American writer

Having a pet or engagging in pet therapy are best especially for seniors because of the benefits they bring such as:

Lowers anxiety

Provides comfort after moving to a senior living community

Increases mental health

Lowers blood pressure

Improves heart health

Makes workouts more enjoyable

Improves communication with senior adults who have dementia or autism

Sources: Alliance of Therapy Dogs, National Center for Biotechnology Information, NPR

An elder woman with her dog

Dogs and cats are most commonly used for this program, but other animals can be used to. The type of animal that’s paired with the senior adult depends with the therapeutic goals of each person’s needs.

Here are Some Requirements to Become a Pet Therapists

Physical examination of the animal to confirm it’s healthy

Obedience training

Instructional course for the trainer

Evaluation of the animal’s temperament and behavior

Certification from the sponsoring organization

Source: Healthline

Pet Therapy for Seniors

Who Could Benefit from Pet Therapy?

Pet therapy can significantly reduce pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue in people with a range of health problems, including:

People with Dementia

Individuals in long-term care facilities

Those who are receiving cancer or invasive treatments

People with cardiovascular diseases

Children or adults having dental procedures

Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder

Source: Mayo Clinic

With pet therapy, family members, friends, and even staff who sit in on animal visits say they feel better, too.

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Health Center for Health Statistics show that nearly 60% of hospice care providers that provide alternative therapies offer pet therapy to patients.
Source: Alliance of Therapy Dogs

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active seniors,active seniors with pets,active seniors with their family,pet therapy,senior adults with pets,seniors and pets
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