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The Benefits of Pet Therapy In Senior Living

By July 11, 2022July 19th, 2022No Comments
pet therapy senior living

There is always something about furry creatures that make people smile. Whether it’s a dog, cat, bird, or other animal, pets add a lot to people’s lives. Seniors especially benefit from animal therapy. A 2021 survey revealed that 46.9% of people believe that a pet would improve their mental health.  

Benefits of Pet Therapy For Seniors

It is common for assisted living and memory care homes to utilize pet therapy for their residents. This is because science has shown that there are a multitude of benefits for those who engage in pet therapy. These benefits can include: 

  • Reduced anxiety
  • Reduced risk of depression
  • Increased happiness levels
  • Enhanced confidence 
  • Ability to care for and appreciate the animal
  • Reduced loneliness
  • Mental stimulation
  • Increased meaning and engagement
  • Feelings of comfort and support
  • Improved cardiovascular health
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Faster recovery from mental stress

Engaging in Pet Therapy

Residents are often unable to care for a pet when they are living in Assisted Living or Memory Care homes. Therefore, it is important to choose an Assisted Living provider that sets up appointments where agencies can come in and help the residents engage in pet therapy. Pet therapy is often provided by home health and hospice agencies or other local organizations. In fact, 60% of hospice care providers offer pet therapy to patients.

Consider The Cottages Senior Living

The Cottages Senior Living will provide the best environment for your loved one. The small, home-like atmosphere and high staff-to-resident ratio helps ensure that the residents are well cared for and their needs are addressed. The Cottages offers Pet Therapy since the residents greatly benefit from it. It is common for the residents to engage with dogs, cats, horses, go on field trips to the zoo, and even have reindeer visit during the winter season. At The Cottages, the residents are able to enjoy the wonderful animals and the benefits that one gains from pet therapy.  

What Are Some Of The Other Benefits That The Cottages Offers? 

The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care homes only have a maximum of 16 residents per home. This enables the staff to give more personalized care and the residents are able to get to know one another. The activities are tailored to the resident’s wants and desires, creating life-enriching moments. The activities are overseen by the quality of life coordinators, who are dedicated to enhancing each resident’s quality of life. 

The Cottages offer home-cooked meals that not only follow dietary guidelines but are also delicious and nutritious. The administrator has an open-door policy and is never too busy to meet with family or answer questions. The home and atmosphere feels calm and happy and looks like a home. The Cottages are secure but never feel like an institution or hotel. The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care has received numerous national and state quality awards for their well-run homes, exuding superior care.

Give The Cottages a Call Today! 

If you are looking for an exceptional assisted living or memory care home, look no further. Call The Cottages today to schedule a tour or speak with one of our experts! (208) 475-1805.

 

References

The Cottages Activities https://www.assistedlivingidaho.com/activities/

Perkins, Amanda DNP, RN The benefits of pet therapy, Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!: January/February 2020 – Volume 18 – Issue 1 – p 5-8

doi: 10.1097/01.NME.0000613652.69241.d7. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/nursingmadeincrediblyeasy/fulltext/2020/01000/the_benefits_of_pet_therapy.2.aspx

The Zebra. Animal Therapy Statistics in 2021. Retrieved from https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/animal-therapy-statistics/#:~:text=2021%20Animal%20therapy&text=46.9%25%20of%20respondents%20believe%20that,not%20affect%20their%20mental%20health.

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