Pet Therapy and Senior Citizens
Being that pets are one of nature's better sources of affection it's a great healing tool to use pet's in elderly care. Pet's therapy help relax and calm patients. They remove the loneliness, pain and fear of being alone and grief from the mind. Pet therapy can also help create laughter, a sense of protection and security.
Pet therapy comes in all shapes and sizes. From dogs, cats, birds and small rodents it will depend exactly what type of pet therapy is used per convalescent home or hospital. There is various nonprofit organization that offer visits to provide pet therapy while other areas may chose to house their own pets on premises to allow their clients the added benefit of always having pet therapy.
It's important to ensure the pet's being used have a gentle disposition and people friendly. They need to be obedient and trained not to react to loud noises. It's also very important the pet choose for elderly pet therapy is not shy and loves attention.
According to Thomas Kirk the vice president of a chapter of the Alzheimer's Associate Pet's can provide a measure of safety to peoples with the disease. Studies have shown that pet's can help assist Alzheimer's patients by bring them back to current times.
The pro's of pet therapy for senior citizens include exercise, provide companionship, help to lower blood pressure by reducing stress, scientists have discovered that a senior citizen's heart rate will slow down to mimic the rhythm of a cat's pure, laughter, and aid in giving senior citizens a sense of responsibility and a sense of worth.
The con's of pet therapy for senior citizens include allergies, ability to transmit infectious diseases if not properly cared for, and the possibility of fleas and ticks if not properly groomed.
To many the pro's out weight the con's and simple precautions can be taken to help assist with the con's. Properly cared for pets can provide years of comfort and well being to senior citizens. Responsible pet ownership must take place for all animals not just animals providing pet therapy.
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Published by Ambriel Maji
Ambriel has over 5 years of writing experience and currently runs a freelance writing business. She enjoys sharing her experiences in owning a candle & bath and body business, camping, gardening and home imp... View profile
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