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The Many Benefits of Pet Therapy with Seniors

When seniors lack companionship in their lives on a regular basis, they tend to become lonely. Even seniors struggling with dementia or Alzheimer's disease enjoy the experience of interacting with a pet.

Allison Sheridan, Neighbor

Posted Tue, Dec 10, 2013 at 12:56 pm CT|Updated Tue, Dec 10, 2013 at 1:13 pm CT

Recently, we found out that one of our Chicago clients, an elderly couple who are retired professors from Northwestern University in Evanston, had to go through the heartbreaking and traumatic ordeal of putting down a sick pet.

It’s not uncommon for clients of Home Instead Senior Care to be somewhat limited in their mobility. They may be using the services of a home caregiving agency because they are not as active and energetic as they once were. They may not have the opportunity to have as active of a social life as in the past. In this case, losing a loved pet is doubly upsetting, as it takes away an affectionate companion from a couple that had limited social stimulation to begin with.

In situations like this, it helps to reach out to a neighbor, friend, or relative with a pet, or a Therapy Dog Handler, to arrange visits. It is an uplifting and rewarding experience for the senior and the pet as well as the pet’s owner. Studies have shown petting a dog or cat can reduce stress and blood pressure. Even elderly people with advanced dementia or Alzheimer's disease can have positive interactions with pets as companions.