Pets and the Elderly

I've volunteered and worked at several nursing homes through out my life. At a few of the nursing homes, I noticed that they would bring a dog in every week to visit the patients. I thought that this was such a wonderful idea because the presence of the dog cheered up so many of the elderly patients.

It was amazing how those little furry creatures could help to brighten up someone's day. I would instantly see smiles on the patient's faces and they would laugh and start to look happy. It is always touching to me to see that someone is distracted away from their pain or loneliness, even if it just for a moment.

Pets can be therapeutic to people who are suffering. They can provide companionship, love and entertainment. Sometimes just the simple act of petting an animal can lower stress levels in humans and can help to improve someone's mood.

It is nice to see the smiles on patient's faces when they come in contact with the therapy dog at the nursing home. I also worked in a retirement community where the elderly residents lived independently. A few of them had their own pets, which I thought was great.

One elderly woman who lived alone and was widowed, told me that her cat brings her so much happiness and she would not know what she would do without her furry companion. We would share stories about our cats and she would laugh when she was telling me the funny things her cat does. It made me feel good to know that this animal could bring her so much joy and keep her from feeling so lonely.

Spending time with a therapy dog in a nursing home can have a calming affect on the elderly patients. They feel that they are connecting with something, even if it is not another human. I think it is beautiful the way that animals and humans can bond and how animals can bring so many benefits to enrich the lives of humans.

If you know an elderly person who is lonely or is low in spirits, if you have a pet, maybe you could bring your pet over to visit them. This may be easier with a dog. Also there are older pets in shelters that are available for adoption that might make a great companion for an older person. Kittens and puppies may be hard for an elderly person to take care of. If the person is capable of taking care of the animal, and the place that they live in does not prohibit any animals, then it might be a good idea for you to ask them if they'd like to get a pet.

Pets can provide therapy and companionship. At times, pets can help to keep someone's mind off of pain, suffering and lonliness. So, if you have a pet that you would like to bring to a local nursing home to cheer up some patients, call the nursing home first and see what their policy is. You will benefit from helping to brighten up someone's day. Your pet may benefit also from getting all that attention!