Pet Therapy Benefits
It is no secret that anyone who has pet a dog or cuddled with a purring cat understands the calming effect that pets can have on us.
According to UCLA research, even a short period of time with an animal can help lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, increase serotine levels and more. For these reasons, pets are being used by many long term care facilities, including Inlet Coastal Resort, as part of pet therapy to promote health, happiness, and wellbeing for seniors.
What exactly is pet therapy?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, animal-assisted therapy use animals, such as horses, dogs, and cats, as a therapeutic intervention to improve a person’s physical, social or cognitive function. These animals are an integral part of the treatment process and meant to improve the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functions of humans. Animal-assisted activities have a more general-purpose, such as providing motivation and enjoyment to enhance a person’s quality of life.
What are the benefits of pet therapy?
Pet therapy has proven physical, emotional and psychological benefits for seniors. Just some benefits of pet therapy include:
- Reduced blood pressure and normalize heart rate
- Reduction in depression, stress, and anxiety
- Increased self-esteem and a sense of gentleness and caring
- Increased social interaction with other pet owners and patients
- Increase mental and memory stimulation
For the reasons mentioned, Inlet Coastal has partnered with Love on a Leash to provide our seniors with pet therapy activities. In addition to pet therapy, Inlet Coastal also allows residents to have a small pet and families are allowed to bring pets to visit. To learn more about our pet policy, please contact us!
