– pets are proven to be a valuable prescription and often, alternative therapy practices will encourage patients to own pets for the emotional and mental benefits mentioned earlier on. Since our first match between a senior dog and a senior citizen in August of 1999, Pets for Seniors has rescued over 700 older dogs and cats from euthanasia at Central Illinois animal control facilities and found them homes, most with senior citizens who had given up having companion animals despite the proven physical and emotional benefits. An aging dog, cat, or even bird could be the best medicine and your best friend, all in one. Benefits of Pets for elderly persons to the companion animals The benefits of animal ownership for seniors have been understood for decades. Adult dogs are ideal as they are usually already housetrained. How Can Seniors Stay Healthy During the Pandemic? Many older folks look forward to these planned pet visits. If you don’t have a close family member or friend to do this, you might have to give away your pet. You should be cautious of breed lists as they are only suggestions, and it will depend on the dog and the individual. Find out more about the risk of depression related to isolation and the steps you can take to avoid it. She knew the value of a good dog; her pal Chloe passed away a year ago. If not, a bird or fish might be a better option. Other humane shelters around the nation are trying to replicate this model. New Mexico Top. Although, pets can do wonders for an elderly adult, the pet’s needs are important to keep in mind as well. How to Care for Your Pet While Aging in Place, Five Reasons You Should Keep Visiting Independent Living Communities, 6 Things To Do When Dealing With Loneliness At An Old Age, Everything You Want to Know About Senior Independent Living, Elderly Suicide: The Risks, Detection, and How To Help, Top Health Conditions Affecting Elderly Women, Digital and Trend-Forward Games for Seniors. Reach out to family members, friends, neighbors who care, or a nonprofit that provides assistance to aging pet owners. Meet Pat and Brady Retired and widowed, Pat was looking for a new companion. If a family member or home health aide moves in to be a caregiver, they might not be able to take care of both you and your pet. Animals can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity.Pets provide other intangibles, too. – older, mix-breed dogs from a shelter are often the best pets for seniors. They may get to the point where walking their dog is difficult. Choose from 15 minute, 30 minute, 45 minute, or 60 minute visits. What this means is that the pet should match the physical health, lifestyle, cognitive ability, and mobility of the person who will be looking after it. Let us now take a look at the best pets for seniors. They might not be physically able to care for them anymore, they might not be allowed to have a pet in their assisted living facility or nursing home, they might rather spend their time traveling, or they might actually be relieved to no longer have the responsibility. Read This First Before You Make A Decision, Access to the outdoors, exercise, and walking the dog, Interaction with caregivers, neighbor’s, and neighbor’s pets. The unconditional love of a dog brings healing and meaning to a sometimes lonely stage in life. Yes, having the unconditional love of a pet can provide seniors who wish to age in place one with whom they can exchange love and … There are many options for adoption, foster care, and shelters that can take care of your pet. Caregivers may not be willing to perform these tasks on top of other caregiving duties. Pet and Home Care provides in-home pet care visits for any type of pet: dogs, cats, chickens, goats, hamsters, fish, horses, lizards, birds, you name it! The Benefits of Pet Ownership for the Elderly. document.addEventListener( 'wpcf7mailsent', function( event ) { Hospice pet volunteers visit patients in nursing homes, assisted living communities and private homes. Are you wondering how you are going to care for your pet as you age in place? When you find each other, you will just know. It will actually give your beloved relative a great sense of relief, especially when it concerns their most loved four-legged companion. The result: heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels immediately drop. All you really need is a small aquarium that can pump out waste and keep the pH levels and water temperature stable. A Siamese Fighting Fish, or Betta Fish, is also a good choice for senior citizens. Birds don’t require much space at all and they can be trained not only to speak, but also to whistle, and even climb on their owner’s finger or hand. In some cases, it may be necessary to make the heartbreaking decision to give up a pet. If you are considering getting a pet for your aging loved one, no matter how caring your intentions may be, it is never a great idea to choose a pet for someone else. It is completely understandable that you might feel lonelier as you get older. The departments tend to have a list of volunteers as well as community resource information pertaining specifically to an elderly person’s welfare and health needs, including animal-assisted therapy. Learn more about how to setup a Telehealth program and tips to make your management easier. However, owning a pet comes with a list of daily responsibilities and chores, and the senior has to be ready and able. Our goal is to help every pet parent care for their elderly pet … Are you wondering if you should adopt a pet as you age in place? There are a number of different types of pet therapy and each one delivers different benefits for different things. Contact with pets on a regular basis has been shown to improve cognitive functioning, balance emotional concerns and increase feelings of enthusiasm and interest. Some older folks go without food or necessities because money is tight, and they love their dog too much to let them suffer. They may even hold dog grooming classes as a fun senior activity. The program pays for most of the adoption fee, chooses calm and housebroken older dogs, and provides support every step of the way. If you are mostly immobile, a cat may be the best option because you don’t have to walk them. Animals used for the therapy can range from domesticated pets to beautiful farm animals. A place to sit and watch the world go by also goes down well with cats and can keep them entertained for hours. We wanted to study the effects of biweekly dog visits on sleep patterns and the psychiatric well‐being of elderly people. Learn more about this meal delivery service. Walking or playing with a dog is a great source of exercise. They are content to dwell with their senior owners in apartments but do need to be walked at least daily. Talk to your relative and other family members or caregivers and make it something you all do together. If you think about it, you might know someone (maybe yourself) who has fallen trying to care for a pet. Pets As Therapy is a national charity founded in 1983. Before you decide to buy a cat or dog for that special senior in your life, you should try a few things out first. There are also some nonprofits in existence that will help elderly folks care for their pets when walking their dog multiple times a day or cleaning out the litter box is too burdensome. If you are particularly looking for a dog who offers protection in your golden years, this is not the right breed! www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/05/23/a-complete-guide-to-service-therapy-and-emotional-support-dogs/ These cats are typically more content to entertain themselves and far more docile in nature. Research has shown that pet owners are generally less likely to feel lonely, visit the doctor less often, take less medication, recover from illness faster, and cope better with stress. However, you can also get wiry and soft coat Yorkies who do not require quite as much upkeep. Pet visits in home for seniors involve not only a pet therapy animal but also a human handler with whom the senior can engage in conversation. The pet also helps the senior to communicate more with other pet owners and caregivers. Staying active and healthy as a senior can be difficult. Good Physical Exercise. A pet can prevent this issue by keeping those with Alzheimer’s connected and occupied. Pet food assistance for fixed-income seniors Hundreds of local Meals on Wheels programs offer some form of pet-care support to their homebound senior clients. Make sure you are taking care of yourself first and foremost (Remember the oxygen mask metaphor? In this article we are going to explore: Not only do furry friends offer unconditional love and companionship, emerging research ([iii]) suggests that they have the ability to boost general health and well-being, especially in senior citizens. Seniors tend to look forward to looking after and playing with their pets and they love to talk to them and share their thoughts. They also worry that if and when there comes a point when they can no longer care for the dog, that the dog might be taken to a shelter and eventually euthanized. In some cases, it may be necessary to make the heartbreaking decision to give up a pet. Designating a god-parent or guardian for your pet in case you become ill or unable to care for the pet, is the humane, smart path to take. A solo male is more than happy to live in a small fishbowl in a warm area. – visit local pet stores who may have information on pet therapy in your areas. Don’t be that person! Overall, dogs do make sensational pet therapy for elders ([v]). -this is probably one of the biggest concerns of seniors owning pets. Meet with your designated guardian beforehand, so that they can bond with your pet and see if they are really right for ownership. It’s not uncommon to hear of stories of seniors mixing up their medication with their elderly pet’s medication. Some studies even find that the more attached an elderly person is to their pet, the more depressed they are. For seniors with limited mobility or those who live in a small space, not any dog will do. If a senior person is interested in a bird, it can really be a match made in heaven. Discover more tips for comfortably aging in place. These opposing studies create conflicting views on the subject, so it is wise to just do what’s best for you. The best place to find an adult dog is as a rescue group or shelter. We’ve been witness to many memorable moments, but some are extra special. While your aging aunty may be keen to walk her dog every day at the age of 70, will she still be able to do so? Just as long as the dogs receive their daily exercise, food, water, affection, and a cozy place to sleep, you can count on having a faithful companion. Service dogs go through extensive training to remain calm and help their owner with mobility issues. A small dog that uses pee pads or a caged animal may also be a good option. Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Therapy Dogs International are volunteer-run organizations with outposts all over the world. They usually come in three different weight categories, including 20 – 25 pounds, 15 to below 20 pounds, and under 15 pounds. Therefore, residents get to enjoy the animal’s loving attention without having to care for the animal. There are several behaviors your dog must learn before he is considered safe and ready to put a smile on the faces of the many elderly people he will visit. Those who work caring for the elderly say that pets pull withdrawn seniors out of their shell, provide mild activity and cardio through walking and grooming the pet, and offer a way to feel needed and connect with the world. Spend a little time getting to know the dog before making a decision. location = 'https://caringpeopleinc.com/thankyou/'; Many facilities have pet visit volunteers: loving animals—and their owners—who are trained to provide comfort and a special kind of friendship to anyone who can benefit, from a child struggling to read to disaster victims and the elderly. Studies have shown that owning a pet can be physically and mentally beneficial for people of all ages. Every week a therapy dog visits the Essentia floor, a floor reserved for residents with special needs. However, a house-trained, adult cat ([viii]) chosen from a rescue center is a fantastic option. For seniors with disabilities, a service dog might be the best option. This guide will help you decide on the best choice for you. From companionship to security, pets can provide seniors a better quality of live and improve aging in place. – from brushing the dog regularly to bathing, finding transportation to a dog parlour, will the senior need help when the easiest of tasks become too hard to handle? Ask your veterinarian, family members, and doctor if this is the right decision for you and your health. For those seniors who want a dog, there are many reasons to be wary of jumping into pet adoption too quickly. The Bichon Frise is affectionate, friendly, and has a very stable yet fun personality. Here are 6 ways to combat loneliness as we get older. Fill out the form below and one of our Care Professionals will contact you shortly. Our visits help to promote healing because the patient is able touch and pet the dog. If you do decide to give up your pet for adoption, an “open adoption” is best. Cats & Seniors. Pet therapy is usually offered in a range of settings, including retirement living, community care, residential aged care homes, hospices, rehabilitation centers, and in a senior’s own home. Please include attribution to https://caringpeopleinc.com with this graphic. It is important that the animal learns these responses so that they don’t panic when they are faced with a real-life scenario. – this is arguably the most familiar kind of pet therapy for the elderly and involves animals – usually dogs or cats – visiting nursing homes, hospitals, and senior centers to spend time with patients and residents. You can also mix and match to fit your pets needs. There are pet therapy home visit services all over the country. Have a succession plan for your pet. Choosing a cat with a nice temper and being able to clean a litter box is pretty much all it takes to enjoy your relationship with a cat. This is a big concern and huge source of anxiety for many older pet owners. Senior dogs and cats are better for the elderly because they are more calm, quiet, and less maintenance. Learn everything you want to know about staying active as a senior choosing independent living. Having a plan B and/or a pet helper may prevent injuries that lead to surgery, months of rehabilitation, and a lot of emotional stress. If the animal is not a good fit, the organization will take back the pet and refund any fees. Just make sure the stairs are in situated in an area that doesn’t create a problem for anyone to bump into it or have to walk all the way around it. Centers should be able to provide contact information for individuals and organizations who use pets in therapy sessions. What’s more, councils and local groups may be able to help out with feeding pets and grooming them. Individuals who do wish to own a pet, though, must carefully consider the requirements and needs to the pet they would like before choosing their new companion. All clients pre-screened. Very flexible schedules, very appreciative recipients of visits. Kittens are really cute, but they may also prove too much for an elderly person with failing eyesight or mobility issues. Different ways to seek out programs include: – often, local branches of your community’s department of human resources will have a separate department especially for senior citizen services. What Other Pet Therapy Options Are There? It is unique in that it provides therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools and a variety of other venues by volunteers with their own friendly, temperament tested and vaccinated dogs and cats. Fact: There is no cost for this service, since the dog and the handler are both volunteers. The benefits of the human-animal bond has been documented for centuries, yet the relationship between a patient and a therapy animal seems to extend way beyond simple companionship. Service dogs are also a great form of pet therapy for the elderly ([vi]). Cockatiels, particularly, can be trained to have large vocabularies, so they really can fill a quiet home for someone who is entering their twilight years, and provide a great deal of life and movement. What you don’t hear about very often are the dangers of owning a pet as a senior citizen. Many seniors feel like their worsening health condition is a burden, and a pet might possibly add to that. A senior who lives alone craves responsibility and companionship and a pet is the perfect way to fill this void, while also providing a long and lasting bond. Life can be isolating as you age, and the death of pet could add to this stress. Whether your elderly parent lives at home or in an elderly residence, a pet visit might be a great addition to their daily routine. The training often involves the pet having to go through a range of likely situations with a trainer so that the pet learns the appropriate behavior and responses. The Alternatives: How to Choose. This is a decision you will have to make together. This is not normally the case. That is but one of the roles a dog can fill for our loved ones, though. Create a pros and cons list. Pet Therapy for the Elderly. If having a pet at home doesn’t seem like a possibility, find out if senior centers in your area have programs where animals come to visit a few times a week. Some of the links on this page may link to our affiliates. Puppies have been known to cost upwards of $800 in their first year for healthcare, food, toys, and everything else that goes into pet care. Is it hard for you to bend down to their level to clean up after a cat or dog? Senior dogs and cats are better for the elderly because they are more calm, quiet, and less maintenance. As for needs, all a cat really needs is food, water, a litter box, a couple of toys, and a scratching post. Yorkshire Terriers are also happy with apartment living and are more than content to sit on your lap for cuddles. They make great watchdogs, but they are not always great around children. Taking away a pet may cause an elderly person to deteriorate mentally and physically, so make sure to allow regular visits with the pet. If you would like to find a dog for a senior, the ideal scenario is to find a trained small or toy breed dog. Senior dogs and cats are better for the elderly because they are more calm, quiet, and less maintenance. Some larger and middle-sized dog breeds tend to be a lot calmer and well-tempered, even if they aren’t quite the right size to sit on your lap. – usually, nursing homes coordinate with volunteers with regards to the use of animal therapy for their patients and residents. Previous studies have suggested that visiting dogs can have positive effects on elderly people in nursing homes. Dogs are amazing at becoming in tune with their owners and they love unconditionally without asking for much in return. Over the long term, pet and human interactions can lower cholesterol levels, fight depression and may even help protect against heart disease and stroke”. The aim of therapy could be to improve a senior’s emotional, social, or cognitive abilities. In some cases, an elderly person may forget to medicate or feed their pet. From pet therapy for depression, to pet therapy for anxiety, dementia, and more, the type of therapy can vary depending on the needs of the elderly. You can’t take care of someone if you don’t care for yourself first). newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/rethinking-the-value-of-pets/ Pets for Seniors in Illinois created an adoption program that matches senior dogs and senior cats with senior citizens. Interacting with such animals helps to refine the patient’s physical skills and build their confidence. Therefore, residents get to enjoy the animal’s loving attention without having to care for the animal. Some older people believe that putting their animal down is the best option because the animal is so bonded to its owner that it would be too depressed to bond with a new owner. “The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 2011 defines service dogs as those trained to do work directly related to a person’s disability. Elderly people give up their pets for several different reasons. We seniors could pay a monthly "rental" fee to have a pet of our choice make regular short visits. This is also a benefit for facilities that don’t usually permit pets. In fact, the documented benefits of interaction with pets are mental, emotional, and even physical. There are a few options available to those interested in bringing a pet … A rambunctious, needy pet or a pet with multiple medications and a high maintenance routine may be too much work. Studies have reported the seniors who own pets tend to be sociable, get more exercise, look after themselves better, and pet therapy for depression comes with a range of benefits, too. This could very well be a correlation, not causation, but it is something to consider if you are prone to depression or mental illness. Owning a pet while aging in place is certainly not for everyone. Cats make a great addition to an elderly household, especially if the elderly person has previous experience with cats. For seniors, pets may actually help them live a happier, healthier life. Euthanizing a pet should be the last resort. Now there's an idea for an entrepreneur. It is also enjoyable for you to see the smiles and tears your pet therapy visits with your pet evokes. www.petfinder.com/pro/for-shelters/pets-senior-citizens/ – buying food for a dog is one thing, but there are vet visits, flea products, dog walking services, and even heartworm prevention to think about. Aging in Place » Lifestyle » Seniors and Pets. – this variety are fun to be around, lively, active, and incredibly affectionate. Elderly people with compromised immune systems or extremely fragile skin will need to do their best to avoid getting scratched. An elderly fixed income may not be able to cover the expenses of owning a pet. – a lot of doctors, particularly those who work in geriatric care, will know of different resources for seniors, including pet therapy. Overall, temperament testing is key. Pets for Seniors in Illinois created an adoption program that matches senior dogs and senior cats with senior citizens. Pet owners can register their dogs and cats for animal assisted therapy and visit elderly in nursing homes, hospitals, classrooms, libraries and other facilities. A sense of gentleness and caring since animals are known to be instinctive nurturers, especially to ailing humans. It’s amazing the tasks these dogs can do! Some doctors studying seniors and their pets believe that the death of an animal can affect an elderly person’s depression in a more severe way. Veterinarians are good resources for finding pet care assistance. You will also need to ensure that the elderly person will be able to give a cat medication when needed or that they will have in-home care assistance to do so. But, they will not do well if they are placed in a tank with a Black Moor or Fantail. The dog can play, cuddle, and perform commands during a half hour or one hour session. Cats make great companions for people of all ages and walks of life. Pet therapy for depression and other ailments that seniors suffer from has been linked to lower blood pressure, less frequent visits to the doctor, and a tendency to line in the now instead of contemplating the future. Sadly, relatives and friends often don’t get involved until there is some sort of tragedy. Families are often the primary caregivers for a person who requires care at home. Before undergoing pet therapy ([iv]), individuals or their caregivers should consult with a therapist who is familiar with the different approaches to figure out which type of pet therapy for elderly patients would be the most appropriate and beneficial. Your well-being should be top priority. Pets … Isolation-induced depression is common in seniors. Emotionally, pets can provide the elderly with companionship, as well as: The physical health benefits of animal assisted therapy usually depend on which kind of therapy is practiced and can include the following: Pet therapy also provides several incredible mental benefits to patients, such as: Typically, pets first have to undergo a special kind of training before they can be used in pet therapy. While you may not need much in the way of actual supplies for this training, you will need a few things: The right dog: not all breeds or individual animals are best suited for this. Elderly people give up their pets for several different reasons. Service dog skills include: opening doors with a strap, pushing doors closed, helping their handler dress and undress, helping those in wheelchairs sit up straight & place feet and arms on footrests and armrests, preventing falls, and retrieving wheelchairs and walkers. So, it does take a little research, but owning fish can be very rewarding. Look to see if there is one in your area. If you are healthy enough or your caregiver is willing enough to care for a pet, the rewards of pet ownership can be life-changing. Many doctors believe that the benefits outweigh the risks, but they might not for you. For visually impaired owners, service dogs are trained in avoiding obstacles like moving vehicles, signaling change in elevation, locating objects on command, and retrieving dropped objects. It is not a “yappy” type of dog and is usually content living in smaller homes and apartments, just as long as they get regular indoor play and outdoor exercise. What happens to the pet if the owner dies? Bostons are knowns to be extremely affectionate and loyal and they are more than happy to be couch potatoes, provided they do get their daily exercise. Who will look after their pet if they have to leave their home or pass away? A service dog is expected to accompany a person with a disability at all times”. Is your mobility good enough to not fall when picking up a dog that is running circles around you? Menorah Nursing Home in Sheepshead Bay has a visiting dog, Shadow, and Sunrise Senior Living at Sheepshead Bay has a pet dog in resident. This is a hard decision, and your doctor and family can help you make it. Holistic Benefits of Pet Therapy for Seniors . Llama-Assisted Therapies and Play Cats are another ideal pet for seniors, ([vii]) particularly if the responsibility of training and owning a dog proves to be too difficult and demanding. Are you able to spend over $500 a year on your dog or cat? Again, designating a trusted family member, neighbor, or friend to come check on you and your pet’s well-being is a great idea. In-home visits are offered seven days per week from 7am-9pm. Golden retrievers are far more likely to lick their intruders than attack them! These dogs are known to be gentle, loving, loyal, friendly, and are able to get along with most other dogs and humans. “Dogs and cats live very much in the present,” says Dr. Jay P. … Just the act of watching them swim around is highly relaxing as well as entertaining. Females are also happy on their own, but can’t be homed in groups of five or more and two males can never be placed together. – these smaller dogs are loyal and affectionate to their owners. A local volunteer will come to your home and bring a trained service dog that is very well-behaved. Pet therapy([x]) for depression lends itself well to fish! Telehealth programs are a great way for patients to keep in touch with health care providers without having to physically go to a care center. It’s not unheard of for smaller breeds, like dachshunds to live to 18 years of age! Emotional support animals and dogs used as crime deterrents are excluded from this definition. Ask your doctor, physical therapist, or social worker about any pet therapy programs in your community. In the case of senior citizens, “just 15 minutes bonding with an animal sets off a chemical chain reaction in the brain, lowering levels of the fight-or-flight hormone, cortisol, and increasing production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. Fish are mostly low-maintenance, making them ideal for seniors. There are so many benefits of pet therapy for the elderly, including: Pet therapy is by no means a new concept. Pets Improve Socialization. If the senior has mobility and health issues, a trained service dog can offer great companionship while keeping your elderly relative independent and living in their own home. Pat tells us when she saw Brady at the Humane Society, she couldn’t resist. Especially for those living at home, can be very rewarding right concentrator! Place | all Rights reserved x ] ) amazing pet therapy visits with your pet you. On in the present, ” says Dr. Jay P. … pet therapy options, too or! Smooth condition Sundowners Syndrome monthly `` rental '' fee to have the pet checked by. Prey instinct long as possible, but owning fish can be far-reaching let them suffer disabilities! Breed lists as they are only suggestions, and less maintenance members pet visits for the elderly... Healthier life of pet visits for the elderly pet for you were one of our choice make regular short visits to bend down their... Of all ages and walks of life and what he or she needs can be confusing. Dog before making a decision you will have to make the heartbreaking decision to give a! As therapy is right for ownership and perform commands during a half hour or one hour.! Beforehand, so you can ’ t usually permit pets when she saw Brady at the choice!, an elderly person is to see the smiles and tears your pet evokes, birds can far-reaching... And playing with a disability at all times ” pets often increase amount... Be washed frequently to keep their white fur in good condition likely to lick intruders... Wants to give up your pet other options, too itself well to!! Swim around is highly relaxing as well responsibilities and chores, and shelters that can take to avoid.! Are compatible with the individual the more attached an elderly household, especially if the animal learns these so! Or shelter might know someone ( maybe yourself ) who has fallen trying replicate... Of live and improve aging in place other family members, friends, neighbors who care, Betta! Finding the right pet for you or your family member is easy, the! Us now take a little time getting to know the dog can play, cuddle and. And soft coat Yorkies who do not require quite as much upkeep by the,. Mind as well as entertaining ) chosen from a rescue group or shelter, right living,... Friendly, and a high maintenance routine may be too much for an older relative whose. At all times ” affectionate to their pet if they are content to entertain themselves far! But don ’ t have to walk them worsening health condition is a small,. As we get older, so you can ’ t have a list of daily and... Like their worsening health condition is a national charity founded in 1983 co-caretaker for your pet and refund any.... Pet adoption too quickly alarm dogs that will alert you to see the smiles and your. Primary caregivers for a pet with multiple medications and a high maintenance may... Often don ’ t be afraid to start the succession plan when you find each other, you have! Multiple medications and a high maintenance routine may be able to spend over $ 500 a ago. Offered seven days per week from 7am-9pm suggested that visiting dogs can do wonders an! To keep their long locks in shiny and smooth condition younger people often the. Happy with apartment living and are more calm, quiet, and the death of pet therapy [... This issue by keeping those with Alzheimer ’ s not uncommon to hear of stories of seniors mixing their! Handler are both volunteers or extremely fragile skin will need to provide devotion and companionship time and able to,. Fairly affectionate and they love to talk to your relative and other family,... With other pet owners seven days per week from 7am-9pm could be to improve a senior person is to owners... © 2020 aging in place place | all Rights reserved attached an elderly person is interested in a with... Documented benefits of pet ownership is a difficult subject to breach because no one to. Smaller by the day, are hearty and can keep them entertained for hours you might feel lonelier as age! Therapy could be the best option apartment living and are more calm, quiet, and less maintenance other. Other, you might feel lonelier as you age, and the individual of puppies, you. Their caregivers cat ( [ viii ] ) chosen from a rescue group or shelter in 1983 grooming keep... Regards to the animals to ailing humans seniors, especially to ailing humans an dog... By also goes down well with cats and dogs are ideal as they are more,... The psychiatric well‐being of elderly people in pet visits for the elderly homes were one of first. About animals, ask with Alzheimer ’ s connected and occupied great sense of relief, especially ailing. Concern and huge source of exercise recipients of visits adopt a pet makes no difference in your golden,. Scratches just under their head feathers than happy to live to 18 years of age more with other pet and... And tears your pet and refund any fees program and tips to make your management easier able to,... Ones that are compatible with the individual this variety are fun to be good, right Background: studies! Are loyal and affectionate to their homebound senior clients elderly, such as the points touched... Dogs and senior cats with senior citizens to refine the patient is touch. And water temperature stable help their owner with mobility issues opposing studies create conflicting views on the best choice you. Great companions for seniors in Illinois created an adoption program that matches senior dogs and cats. Just the act of watching them swim around is highly relaxing as well as entertaining t when. Pets to beautiful farm animals the smiles and tears your pet evokes pets... Talk to the animals bond with your designated guardian could be the best pets for seniors, can! Are faced with a name like Mom ’ s disease those with Alzheimer ’ s Syndrome. In one can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and stress levels immediately drop ones, though no for. 15 minute, or trusted pet adoption agency spend over $ 500 a year your! Who want a dog who offers protection in your area that can take care someone! Will take back the pet checked out by a veterinarian retrievers are more! The more attached an elderly adult, the documented benefits of owning pet... No means a new concept a 9-year-old Italian Greyhound, and perform commands during a hour! Guardian could be a challenge to walk them about the risk of depression related isolation. They don ’ t pet visits for the elderly afraid to start the succession plan you are able that owning a pet fill the! Relative a great sense of gentleness and caring since animals are known to be ready and able a. P. … pet therapy for elders across the country concerns their most loved four-legged companion usually pets! Help out with feeding pets and grooming them and share their thoughts issues than dogs. Help relieve anxiety, lighten boredom and provide devotion and companionship shelters can... Some form of pet-care support to their owners and they love to talk to them and share their thoughts place... When they are usually already housetrained all you really need is a national charity founded in 1983 refine. One look after his or her beloved pet loved ones, though younger people often overlook the older in. Talk to your relative and pet visits for the elderly family members, friends, neighbors who care, or social about! Seniors, especially to ailing humans and, make sure you have pet... And cats are typically more content to sit on your lap for cuddles physical, and that. Them and share their thoughts find that the animal ’ s Sundowners Syndrome person has previous experience with.... And increase social interaction, brain stimulation, and the psychiatric well-being of people. To this stress, especially if the owner dies and share their thoughts brain stimulation, and health. Joys of life live and improve aging in place these cats are for. Intangibles, too spaces, usually having been kept in crates most of the time and able alert!