When animals improve the well-being of seniors, fight against loneliness, help develop residual abilities such as walking, and more ... Find out in this article, how animals can awaken for a moment, the joy and the comfort in the elders !
Pet therapy, what is it exactly?
Pet therapy, or animal assisted therapy, is used for therapeutic purposes for children, adolescents, adults, and also seniors. It is not a cure for diseases, but a therapy that improves the psychological and physiological well-being of those who benefit from it. Pet therapy can be done by using various types of animals: dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, etc. The animals are selected and trained, so they can act as partners to the specialists who surround the person. Pet therapy can be done individually or in groups, more specifically to people who suffer from a cognitive, physical, psychological or social disorder.
Zootherapy and Alzheimer’s Disease: Sparking Memories
For patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, the animal represents in most cases, memories of animal-related experiences. This is the reminiscence effect. Animals are the common thread that allows the elder to return in the past to relive good times. Pet therapy is a source of rich sensory stimulation. It also stimulates maternal instinct in some seniors. Some gestures they engender refer to long-established patterns such as taking care of a child.
And in retirement home ? How does pet therapy work out?
In the majority of seniors residences offering pet therapy services, dogs are most often used during sessions. Indeed, according to the Institute of Zootherapy of Quebec, the good mood of the dog attracts attention and encourages residents to express their feelings by talking to the animal. The dog is active, loves to play and appreciates the human contact.
The many benefits of zootherapy
Beyond the simple pleasure of petting a dog or a rabbit, animal-assisted therapy triggers profound physical and psychological benefits. By stimulating the senses and encouraging interaction, the presence of an animal brings measurable improvements to a resident's overall health. Here are the key advantages:
Decreased anxiety
Animals reduce stress, anxiety and provide warmth and comfort. The animal brings the person to capture his interest and live the present moment.
Improved mood
Many studies cited in the article Main in the paw of the pet therapy worker, Mrs. Régine Hétu, specify that the visit of an animal allows more smiles, verbalizations, requests and laughter. Thus, several positive behaviors derive from pet therapy.
Improved self-esteem
Pet therapy improves self-esteem by providing a sense of responsibility for the care that is given to animals. Indeed, pet therapy makes it possible to value the seniors and increase their feeling of confidence since they find themselves looking after the animal.
Decrease in isolation
The presence of an animal allows benefits at the relational level, because it creates a bond of trust and attachment. This way, residents can reconnect with their surroundings and encourage discussion with other residents.
Residual capacity development
According to Zoothérapie Québec, with the help of an animal, the worker encourages the optimization of his residual functional abilities and gives him an active role to play in his new environment. Seniors have a freedom of choice and manifest their preferences among a variety of activities to be carried out with the animal. For example, the brushing exercises of the animal stimulate praxies of the elder, the decoding of the postures of the animal allows him to better understand his environment and the expression of reminiscences stimulates his memory. In addition, the resident can develop his physical abilities by walking the dog.
Related article: Zootherapy is one of many alternative approaches increasingly utilized in senior housing to help ease anxiety. To discover how these animal-assisted visits fit into a broader recreational schedule featuring adapted sports, cognitive games, and group outings, explore our comprehensive guide on RPA activities: a rich and stimulating social life.
Some resources to learn more about pet therapy
If you would like to deepen your understanding of the standards of practice, clinical benefits, or implementation of animal-assisted therapy in Quebec, several leading organizations share valuable studies and information. Here are a few key resources to explore:
Rediscover Comfort and Joy with Bonjour Résidences
Choosing a living environment that integrates compassionate approaches like pet therapy provides invaluable daily comfort and peace of mind. Whether you are a pet-loving retiree or a caregiver seeking a warm, soothing environment for a parent living with cognitive challenges, retirement homes offering animal-assisted therapy stand out as a premier choice in Quebec.
To navigate the housing options in your region, evaluate service registries, or explore our list of retirement homes offering zootherapy services and pet-friendly policies, you do not have to go through this process alone.
Bonjour Résidences housing specialists offer compassionate, free guidance. We are here to listen to your priorities, answer your questions, and guide you toward the private retirement home that perfectly matches your needs and overall well-being.
Contact a member of our team today at 1 (844) 918-1020 or online to explore the living environments available anywhere in Quebec.
