5/3/2023 0 Comments Marta animal for saleSix big benefits of pet therapy for seniors Lila’s owner, Kelsey, who’s also Santa Marta’s social worker, is confident Lila will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of many more residents for years to come. Lila has already brought love and joy to so many residents and associates. These lovable pets are well trained, have good temperaments and are people-friendly. However, VCA Animal Hospitals found other species such as cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses are good candidates. Most pet therapy animals are dogs - mainly because they can be trained, and because there are certain breeds that are ideal for older adults in general. As part of their therapy, older adults are paired with highly sensitive animals such as dolphins or horses to help build confidence and promote physical skills. This intensive form of pet therapy is ideal for older adults who need significant rehabilitation, such as after a stroke, serious fall or heart attack. ![]() This is when the older adult owns the pet and is able to pay for vet visits, pet food and grooming, and is able to walk the pet. As the most common type of pet therapy for seniors, this type involves animals visiting the senior in their home or in a senior living community. There are three recognized types of pet therapy for seniors: Animal-assisted therapy is a growing field that uses dogs, cats, tropical fish - even iguanas - to help people recover from or better cope with health problems, such as heart disease, cancer and mental health disorders.Īnimal-assisted activities, on the other hand, have a more general purpose, such as providing comfort and enjoyment for assisted living or memory care residents. It only takes her a few seconds to create smiles and lift spirits from the hugs she gets and kisses she delivers.”Īccording to the Mayo Clinic, pet therapy is a broad term that includes animal-assisted therapy and other animal-assisted activities. “It’s so neat to watch the impact she has on everyone she meets. “Every time I bring her to the community, she really perks up and has an extra bounce in her step,” Jardon said. Her owner, Kelsey Jardon, director of social services at Santa Marta, said residents are looking very forward to having regular engagement with Lila. Once she graduates from therapy classes, Lila will become a full-time team member and contribute to the overall wellness and culture at Santa Marta, a senior living community in Olathe, KS. Lila is working to earn her certification as a therapy dog. One study published by Frontiers in Psychology and the National Institute of Health concluded that spending just 15 minutes with an animal increases positive hormonal changes in the brain and decreases stress.īut none of this comes as a surprise to pet owners themselves, Cats, dogs and even farm animals like cows, sheep, horses and goats have been shown to improve seniors’ quality of life and improve socialization skills.įor example, take Lila, a five-month-old Golden Retriever. It might come as a surprise to some people that there are well-researched physical and emotional benefits associated with interacting with animals through the field of pet therapy. Or they can spend a little quality time with a loving animal. ![]() To help manage issues like chronic pain, depression and anxiety, older adults can take any number of oral medications. What Pet Therapy is, and Why It Offers Big Benefits for Older Adults
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