Pet therapy has become an increasingly popular and effective method of enhancing the well-being of residents in care homes. This therapeutic approach leverages the innate comfort and companionship animals provide to improve the overall health of residents, especially where chronic illnesses are concerned.
This article explores how pet therapy in care homes benefits the residents’ emotional and physical well-being and creates a more comfortable and welcoming environment.
What is Pet Therapy
The process of pet therapy involves the careful training of dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds to be friendly, calm, gentle and patient. These animals are prepared to interact comfortably with people facing various emotional and physical challenges, providing opportunities for people to cuddle, touch, and stroke them. They confidently respond to their qualified handler’s commands in different environments.
What are the Benefits of Pet Therapy in Care Homes?
Improve Mood and Emotional Wellbeing
The immediate benefits of pet therapy are evident in the uplifted spirits of residents. The presence of an affectionate animal can provide them with moments of joy and happiness. The simple act of petting or playing with an animal releases endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. Residents with dementia can also feel the emotional benefits of interacting with these attentive animals.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Interacting with animals has a calming effect, lowering cortisol levels and increasing serotonin production. This can be a comforting distraction, especially during times of anxiousness or agitation, providing reassurance to both residents and caregivers.
Combat Loneliness
Loneliness can sometimes be an issue among care home residents, especially those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Animals offer unconditional love and acceptance without asking for much in return and help alleviate loneliness by providing companionship and comfort. For many residents, this connection becomes a cherished part of their routine, offering them a sense of purpose.
Boost Engagement
Introducing pet therapy in care homes can encourage residents to engage and become more friendly and active with the people around them. Feeling comfortable in the presence of animals and drawing attention towards them can stimulate conversation and social interaction, leading to stronger social bonds and a more vibrant community within the home.
Scheduled pet therapy sessions can also give the residents something to look forward to each week and give them something to discuss together, ultimately breaking social barriers.
Enhance Motor Skills
Activities such as grooming, feeding or playing with a therapy pet require coordination and gentle movement, helping residents improve their motor skills and engage different muscle groups in a fun, loving way. For instance, brushing and stroking a pet’s fur can strengthen hand and arm muscles, while feeding the animal involves precise hand movements and coordination.
Additionally, playing fetch or engaging in interactive toys with a pet encourages residents to move around and pick up, promoting physical activity and enhancing overall mobility. These activities are physically beneficial and provide a sense of accomplishment, encouraging many residents to participate more actively in future sessions. This increased participation allows for consistent practice, which may show gradual improvement in motor abilities over time.
Accelerates Healing and Recovery Processes
As the presence of a therapy animal can reduce stress hormones and boost immune function, it creates a positive and relaxing environment within the residential care home for many to heal, promoting faster recovery and reducing hospital-related stress.
By addressing patients’ emotional and physical needs, pet therapy offers a holistic approach to healing that can lead to more comprehensive and sustained improvements in health. This approach can also help alleviate hospital-related stress, providing comfort and safety.
Hello, my name is Bethany, and I am the owner, manager and third generation in the family business. I have grown up with the Chestnuts, and it is a second home to me and my children. My home/work life is very mixed, and that’s ok because being at work feels like being at home.