Bristol, UK - The Benefit of Therapy Animals in Care Homes

Many care and nursing homes now have realised the importance of pet or animal therapy within their care homes and both the positive physical and mental effects of having an animal within your home environment regularly. So exactly what are the benefits of Therapy Animals in Care Homes?

Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish, horses and many other animals have always been companions to people of all ages, they give companionship, support, loyalty, physical and mental exercise through good and bad.

What is Animal Therapy in Care or Nursing Homes?

Animals offer unconditional love and companionship and research also suggests that animals have the ability to boost general health and well-being, especially as we age. Pet or animal therapy, which is also referred to as animal-assisted therapy is a therapy that uses animals as a form of companionship and treatment for people of all ages. The aim of therapy can be to improve emotional, social, or cognitive abilities.

Pet therapy is now offered in a range of settings, including retirement living, community care, residential care and nursing homes, hospices, rehabilitation centres as well as the opportunity for pets to go into someones own home on a regular basis. Animals used for this recognised therapy can range anything from domesticated pets to beautiful farm animals and Bristol Care Homes recently had 2 Alpaca’s visit their homes which the residents and staff loved, along with the regular dog visits.

As we age a pet can provide sound companionship if a loved one has passed, they are a friendly face and someone to talk to during their days. Dogs are a great companion as they encourage owners to get out in the fresh air and exercise, even if it’s a short stroll up the road or to the local park. Cats are great too, they love a cuddle on your lap and like to wander around the garden which is a great way of encouraging you to get outside with them. They are also an excellent option if you struggle with mobility as they are more independent compared to dogs and you don’t have to walk them every day.

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Pets have been proven to have calming effects on their owner and just stroking, sitting next to, or playing with a pet offers the opportunity for your mind to be calm and for you to relax with the feeling that you aren’t on your own. Caring for a pet offers routine and reward to a person, a sense of achievement as well as making an owner feel valued and needed. Therapy animals have also shown that they have a positive impact on residents suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s as they often bring back happy memories of previous pets or memories of good times with their family and friends.

There has been a lot of research on the benefits of animal therapy for all ages and this is why more and more care and nursing homes are allowing pets into their homes for their residents on a regular basis.

The Benefits of Therapy Animals in Care Homes

- Reduces Stress and Depression

- Brings Back Fond Memories

- Reduces Loneliness

- Boosts Activity Levels

- Increases Social Interaction

- Improves & Increases Emotional Wellbeing

At Bristol Care Homes we are innovative in our services and we offer many features which will help you or your loved one to maintain fulfilment in their life, including Animal Therapy in all of our homes.

Find out more here: www.bristolcarehomes.co.uk/benefit-therapy-animals-care-homes/