Whether a dog, cat, or even a fish, owning a pet has various benefits that can positively impact mental and physical health. Being a pet owner or simply spending time with an animal brings companionship, love and joy, and caring for an animal provides a sense of purpose. Animals are also judgment-free; by nature, animals are uncritical and loyal, making them excellent companions for all walks of life.
For all of these reasons, animal-assisted or pet therapy has been known to benefit people living with varieties of emotional, mental, and physical problems. Furthermore, new studies and advancements show that animal-assisted therapy can significantly benefit those with dementia.
Brickmont Assisted Living’s dementia care communities serve Atlanta, Georgia, and beyond and provide resources, services, and therapeutic enrichment for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
If you have a loved one living with dementia who might benefit from animal-assisted therapy, here are some of the benefits.
Benefits of Pet Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy refers to the usage of a service animal to help specific mental and physical conditions, and the type of therapy can vary depending on the condition. The overall goal of pet therapy is to alleviate or assist a person’s ability to cope with various symptoms.
Dementia has a wide range of symptoms, including memory loss, agitation, irritability, and changes in mood. As dementia progresses, a person begins to lose their ability to communicate, which can lead to loneliness and isolation. Motor function can also be impacted over time, and a person might be unable to complete daily tasks on their own.
Promotes Physical Activity
Pets are an excellent motivation tool for physical activity and movement. For instance, dogs need to be walked or played with multiple times a day as part of their care routine. For a person living with dementia, taking a dog for a walk or playing fetch outside is a great way to get outside and stay moving.
Offers Emotional Support and Communication
There’s a special bond between pets and their owners, creating a sense of love and support. For those living with dementia, having a companion can decrease feelings of loneliness and social isolation and elicit calming effects in the brain. When people spend time with an animal, the brain releases chemicals like cortisol, which lowers stress hormone levels and produces serotonin. This chemical plays a key role in staving away depression and anxiety.
Those living with dementia might face communication issues that leave them unable to carry on a conversation. Fortunately, pets rely strongly on body language rather than verbal communication, and some people living with dementia rely on the same communication method. This can make it easier for a loved one to feel seen and heard and allows them to instantly connect with an animal.
Creates a Sense of Purpose, Confidence, and Responsibility
Caring for a pet can give a person living with dementia a sense of purpose and responsibility; regular feedings and other care routines can boost confidence and give additional meaning to their days.
Triggers Memories
Over time, dementia affects the five senses, and as the disease progresses, those living with a form of dementia might feel as though their surroundings are unrecognizable.
Pets and animals can invoke feelings of happiness, comfort, and memories in those living with dementia. Taking part in animal-assisted therapy might trigger memories of past pets and generate positive emotions.
Options for Pet Therapy
Owning a pet is a significant responsibility for anyone, and adopting a furry friend might not be a logical option for your loved one living with dementia. If this is the case, consider adopting your own pet and scheduling regular visits with your loved one, so they can reap the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted therapy without worrying about daily maintenance and supervision.
If this is also not an option, many organizations provide pet therapy services. These organizations can bring highly-trained service animals to your loved one’s home and encourage all the benefits mentioned.
At Brickmont Assisted Living, we’re proud to offer dementia care to Atlanta’s surrounding areas. Our Silver Linings Memory Care Program provides life enrichment activities designed to accommodate all ability levels, and our comprehensive care plans meet each resident’s personal needs. We invite you to discover Brickmont Assisted Living by visiting our website.
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