Pet Therapy for Seniors

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on January 18, 2017

Pet Therapy for Seniors

A Prescription Offering Many Key Benefits

More and more dogs across the country are being trained and gaining certification to visit seniors whether they reside in their own residents, retirement communities, skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities and even hospitals.

Known as pet therapy or animal assisted therapy (AAT), numerous research studies have shown that the value of dog visitation among seniors is a great prescription. This “prescription” offers many key benefits in the areas of social, emotional, physical, and cognitively functioning.

Interestingly, Florence Nightingale, well over hundred and fifty years ago, claimed that a small pet is often an excellent companion for the sick and especially for long chronic cases. Pet therapy can involve many different types of domesticated pets, however dogs are most commonly used. Thus they are the focus of this article.

Typically, dogs and their handlers used in pet therapy need to fulfill certain requirements to include a physical examination of the dog to ensure it’s free of diseases, that it is up to date on immunizations, and the temperament of the dog is appropriate for senior interaction. Taking an obedience training course to ensure proper animal control and an instructional course to teach the trainer about interacting with seniors are additional requirements to gain certification from many of the sponsoring organizations. Often an experienced dog handler will accompany a new handler and their dog on their first experience of the senior facility assigned to them.

After the dog and handler are approved, they are assigned for therapy based on the seniors’ needs and the facility. Some additional factors to consider are the dog’s breed, size, age, and natural behavior. It is then official that the dog can spend time contributing to a senior’s day and truly make a difference supported by the prevailing research.

What exactly are some of these key benefits of seniors spending time with “man’s best friend”?

• Decreased anxiety, depression, and stress – the presence and interaction of a dog provide a sense of purpose and lift spirits and even boost self-esteem
• Reduced blood pressure, pulse rates, and cholesterol levels, etc. – the calming effects of a dog’s presence offer health changes and healthier biometrics in many areas
• Increased movement and cardiovascular exercise – interacting with “man’s best friend” involves more activity and exercise, promoting a healthier lifestyle
• Increased socialization – having a pet visit is often conducive to neighbors, friends, and relatives sharing the visit as well
• Increased entertainment, security, emotional support, and love – especially for those feeling alone or isolated, and also for new residents to integrate to their living situations often away from their own home for the first time, this experience pulls seniors out of their shells and helps them to feel needed, accepted, and more content
• Improved appetite and sleep – the added focus and interest of a dog visit positively impacts eating habits which in turn improves sleeping habits which brings more balance and structure to seniors’ lives
• Increased tactile and cognitive stimulation – adding an engaging activity of a pet visit helps with concentration and brain stimulation as the seniors interact with the pet and pet owner, either individually or in a group setting

More specifically, research studies have shown that just 15 minutes of humans bonding with a dog set off a chemical reaction in the brain. This increases production of the feel-good hormones serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin.

In addition, decreased levels of the primary stress hormone cortisol, the adrenal chemical responsible for regulating appetite and cravings for carbohydrates, occurs and contributes to healthier conditions.

That seems to be a lot of gain for just a short amount of time.

Pet therapy has also been proven to help with Sundowners Syndrome, a condition typically manifested during evening time periods when there is increased confusion and agitation for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Additionally, the pet visits have been known to trigger some residents to connect with memories of pets from their childhood or times past, either their own dog(s) or those of relatives and friends.

Pet therapy is not a new concept, but it is increasing in popularity and use. To see that a dog can contribute to a senior’s life in such positive ways is evidence that pet therapy is here to stay.