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| Category: Animal Therapists |
Date published: September 20, 2004 |
Pet Therapy for Residents of Nursing Homes
by John Schwartz
As our population's "Baby Boom" generation retires, pet therapy in nursing homes will probably become a growing activity. While many animals can be used effectively for pet therapy, puppies and dogs tend to be the most popular choices. There's just something about a happy puppy or dog that picks up everyone's spirits. And in many cases, sadly, residents in nursing homes are in much need of this psychological boost.
The benefits of pet therapy in nursing homes
In most cases, pet therapy is coordinated between an animal trainer or handler and the management of nursing homes (or health care providers). Specially trained dogs pay regular visits to assigned residents, and activities are scheduled based on that particular retiree's physical limits.
Pet therapy really has two goals. First, in purely physical terms, it often produces actions like petting, reaching, stretching, etc. that residents of nursing homes would not otherwise perform with any regularity. Second, and perhaps even more important for many retirees, the dog visits lower blood pressures and create happy feelings.
It is the psychological benefits of pet therapy that many practitioners are touting more and more these days. Nursing homes report a steady improvement in many residents who see visiting dogs on a regular basis. Mental functioning improves, as well as general positive outlooks.
For those of us who love puppies and dogs, it comes as no surprise that pet therapy produces these wonderful results in older folks living in nursing homes. It's just one more reason to believe that canines really are man's best friends!
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About the Author:
John Schwartz is a freelance writer and webmaster. He has written many published articles on subjects that include shopping for dog supplies, improving pet health, and good dog training practices.
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