What is Pet Therapy for the Elderly?

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GRISWOLD HOME CARE MN

Posted on

Nov 28, 2022

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Minnesota - Twin Cities Metro Area

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A furry friend to cuddle and play with can sometimes feel like the cure for any illness. A wagging tail greeting you when you walk through the door or the calming purrs of a contented cat on your lap can be just what you need after a long day. The loyalty and companionship of a devoted pet has many benefits for the average adult and even more benefits for the elderly. If pet ownership is not possible for an elderly person for one reason or another, they can certainly consider pet therapy.

What is pet therapy for the elderly?

Pet therapy, which is sometimes also known as animal-assisted therapy, is a type of therapy that uses pets as a form of companionship and treatment. The animals interact with the seniors in ways that help improve their quality of life. The idea of a dog or cat improving the quality of an elderly person’s life may sound a bit difficult to believe, especially if you are not a pet person yourself. But research has actually shown a variety of benefits of pet therapy for the elderly.

Benefits of Pet Therapy for Seniors

Pet therapy benefits for the elderly are numerous. Many seniors find themselves suffering from loneliness or depression. Perhaps their spouse has passed and they live alone. Perhaps they live in an assisted living facility and their family simply cannot visit very often. A pet can offer companionship and bring a lonely or depressed senior out of their shell. Having something to pet or touch can result in a lower heart rate and reduced stress. Walking a dog, even for a short time, increases mobility and gives a senior a reason to get up and out of the house. Just being near an animal to care for, even if the senior does not own the pet personally, can give them a sense of purpose and make them feel needed. Interacting with a therapy pet can provide mental stimulation as well. The senior may interact with the pet handler.

The therapy pet may also remind them of a pet they knew earlier in their life. Several positive impacts have been noticed when using pet therapy for dementia patients. Dementia patients may have a difficult time communicating with others. Often these patients feel more comfortable communicating with a pet. There is no fear of judgment or worry that the pet will not understand. They will simply listen and provide unbiased affection.

The benefits of pet therapy for older adults should not be overlooked. You can find pet therapy near you by visiting https://www.therapydogs.com/alliance-therapy-dogs/ or https://www.pawsforpeople.org/. A quick google search can also find local pet therapy organizations, which are growing in number and popularity. Help a senior near you spend some time with a furry friend and reap the benefits. To learn more about our home care services, call Griswold Home Care of Anoka today at 763-325-1950 or visit us at https://www.griswoldhomecare.com/anoka-county

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Local Services By This Author

Griswold Home Care

Care Management 617 East Main St Ste 4, Anoka, Minnesota, 55303

HOME CARE SERVICES IN ANOKA . . . . . If youve been taking care of a loved one, helping them live their best lives as independently as possible, you are a hero. Youve been incredible, and you deserve assistance. At Griswold Home Care of Anoka County, we know better than most how much love and care goes into this type of responsibility. And we understand how difficult it can be to trust someone else with your family members, which is why we take such great measures to practice a holistic caregiving approach.Our nonmedical services are flexible to meet your needs because no two care plans are the same for every individual. But to provide an idea of how you can personalize your plan, some of the common types of care we provide include:Personal  This can involve anything from general hygiene (bathing, grooming, and restroom assistance) to supporting physical therapy and nail treatments.Homemaking  Whether youre looking for pet or plant care, light housekeeping, grocery shopping or meal prepping, our homemaking services cover it.Companionship  No one should feel isolated or alone, and our companionship services make sure your loved one is no exception. We can do crafts or hobbies together, shopping, celebrate events, or help get your loved one to a friends home for a visit.Respite  This is a short-term option, meant to give the family caregiver a rest from the physical and emotional demands, because sometimes all we need is a brief respite to recharge.Give our friendly team a call today at (763) 325-1950 to learn more about our home care services in Anoka.

Griswold Home Care

Personal Care Assistance 617 East Main St Ste 4, Anoka, Minnesota, 55303

HOME CARE SERVICES IN ANOKA . . . . . If youve been taking care of a loved one, helping them live their best lives as independently as possible, you are a hero. Youve been incredible, and you deserve assistance. At Griswold Home Care of Anoka County, we know better than most how much love and care goes into this type of responsibility. And we understand how difficult it can be to trust someone else with your family members, which is why we take such great measures to practice a holistic caregiving approach.Our nonmedical services are flexible to meet your needs because no two care plans are the same for every individual. But to provide an idea of how you can personalize your plan, some of the common types of care we provide include:Personal  This can involve anything from general hygiene (bathing, grooming, and restroom assistance) to supporting physical therapy and nail treatments.Homemaking  Whether youre looking for pet or plant care, light housekeeping, grocery shopping or meal prepping, our homemaking services cover it.Companionship  No one should feel isolated or alone, and our companionship services make sure your loved one is no exception. We can do crafts or hobbies together, shopping, celebrate events, or help get your loved one to a friends home for a visit.Respite  This is a short-term option, meant to give the family caregiver a rest from the physical and emotional demands, because sometimes all we need is a brief respite to recharge.Give our friendly team a call today at (763) 325-1950 to learn more about our home care services in Anoka.

Griswold Home Care

Companion Care 617 East Main St Ste 4, Anoka, Minnesota, 55303

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