Over the years, pet therapy has become an effective therapeutic intervention technique. Often referred to as animal-assisted therapy, this method improves a person’s physical, mental, and social well-being by facilitating interactions between them and trained animals. Seniors stand out among the many demographic groups that gain from this special type of therapy as a group that sees notable gains in their quality of life. Let’s explore how pet therapy might improve the quality of life for seniors, as well as how loved ones and the home care team can help.

A Source of Connection and Companionship

Seniors often struggle with loneliness, particularly those who live alone. Whether it’s a cuddly puppy, a kind cat, or even a companionable bird, having pets helps lessen feelings of loneliness. Seniors who live with animals experience unconditional affection and camaraderie, which gives them a sense of purpose and community.

A Break from Monotony

For the same reason that senior home care is beneficial for seniors, interactions with therapy animals provide a welcome diversion from the humdrum of everyday life. These interactions, home care and pet-based, make seniors happy and give them a chance to laugh. With pet therapy, even something as easy as playing with a kitten or caressing a dog can reduce depressive and lonely sensations.

Physical Advantages

Pet therapy offers seniors not just emotional assistance but also noticeable physical advantages. Interacting with animals can lower blood pressure, lower stress hormone levels (such as cortisol), and raise the release of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters linked to emotions of contentment and relaxation.

In addition, engaging in playful interactions with dogs or taking a dog for a walk motivates seniors to maintain their physical activity levels. Frequent engagement in this exercise can enhance general fitness levels, mobility, and cardiovascular health. In situations where mobility is an issue, the home care team can assist by encouraging seniors to improve their walking distance a little bit each day.

Brain Stimulation and Mental Well-Being

Seniors who receive pet therapy can also benefit from increased mental clarity and cognitive performance. Training sessions and casual pet discussions are two examples of animal-related activities that enhance mental flexibility and involvement.

Improved Socialization

The capacity of pet therapy to promote socialization is another significant advantage for seniors. Engaging with therapy animals can be a great way to start a conversation with others who have animals, build relationships, and more.

Pet therapy is a comprehensive and multidimensional way to promote well-being in the context of senior care. Seniors who interact with therapy animals might benefit from a special kind of assistance and enrichment that addresses their emotional, physical, cognitive, and social requirements.

The integration of pet therapy for seniors, whether it’s through a specialized program or simply having a companion pet in the home,  has great promise as we continue to investigate novel approaches to improve the quality of life for seniors. With the help of home care and thinking outside the box, supporting seniors through pet therapy leads to better general health and well-being, as well as providing them with a strong sense of self and prolonged enjoyment.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in San Mateo, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care today at (415) 463-1400

Aviva In-Home Care provides exceptional senior home care in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, and surrounding areas.

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Evan Loevner

CEO at Aviva In-Home Care

As a former hospital administrator, I launched Aviva with the goal of having a more focused, direct impact on the delivery of care than I could ever accomplish within a hospital setting. For me, the joy of running an organization like Aviva In-Home Care is having the ability to positively improve the lives of individuals needing customized care. As a passionate Bay Area resident, I know that many local seniors can benefit from new approaches to in-home care, that will bring them more connection to the community, and provide families with a greater sense of comfort that their loved one is indeed matched with an ideal caregiver.

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