There have been pet programs in schools, hospitals, elder care services, institutions and assisted living centers and facilities for a number of years now. Not every community living facility has adopted pet programs, but the benefits are hard to ignore.
Benefits of pets
Pets are more than furry, tail-wagging slobbery kissers…they make great companions. They give unconditional love and warmth and accepting that the elderly need.
Here are some move benefits of having a furry friend around:
- Provide warmth and comfort
- Help lower stress
- Help increase serotonin
- Reduce heart rate
- Reduce blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Combat depression
- Help protect against heart disease
- Stimulated physical activity
- Give people a greater feeling of purpose
- Promote exercise
- Promotes healthy living
- Increases feelings of well-being
Pet therapy has grown in popularity as people have seen that pets really do make a difference in the lives of elderly or disabled people, or those who are isolated because of location, illness or other conditions.
Animals help to ward off loneliness. The right animal can give love and a chance for hugs and cuddling with no worry about being judged. Elderly people who don’t get very many visitors in their own home or in an assisted living center might really enjoy the company and companionship of a pet.
Dogs and cats are some of the favorite pets used for pet therapy and pet programs. For the senior who still lives in their own home but has an in home caregiver coming in to provide the assistance they need, could choose what kind of pet they want. The responsibility of taking care of the pet could be shared between the senior and the caregiver. For example, the senior could make sure the pet has food and fresh water, and the caregiver could let the pet outside for a walk or a run.
Some assisted living communities are designated as pet friendly. That means the elderly loved one can take their small dog along with them, and there will even be dog grooming and also dog walking services within the center for the residents to use. There may be dog weight restrictions to limit them to small size. There could even be birds, cats or fish allowed. What is offered will vary significantly from place to place.
The important thing to remember is that pets can be a big part of an elderly person’s life, giving him or her comfort, love, affection and companionship.
For Elderly Care Services in Oakbrook, IL call 708-761-4909. Serving La Grange, Oakbrook, Oak Brook Terrace, Brookfield, Westchester, Downers Grove, Berwyn, River Forest, Oak Park, Hinsdale, Chicago and surrounding communities.
About Joan Cisneros LPN
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