At Doddington Lodge we understand animals are a big part of our residents well being. We have pets as companions to love and care for, and they do just the same for us. Petting a dog, as you probably know, comes with a sense of love, care, and happiness. The bonding element of being around a furry companion can have an exceeding amount of health benefits, especially when dealing with an illness, mental or physical.
Animal therapy has become widely used throughout care facilities, such as care homes and assisted living homes, as a technique to help the elderly when dealing with conditions such as chronic illnesses, disabilities, or depression. Animals are not only adorable and promote health benefits, but they are also proven to present hormonal differences in the brain when bonding with each other. As we all know, there are many ways in which we can get that “happy” feeling. Whether that being reading our favourite book, listening to our favourite song, or simply watching a sunset. However, the reason this technique is being introduced so widely is due to the scientifically proven health benefits it has to offer the elderly. Not only improving their quality of life but adding years to it through the decreased risk in cholesterol levels, heart attacks, and strokes.
Healing is a big factor in animal therapy. When the elderly interacts with an animal it gives them companionship, a better quality of life, and a decrease in health problems. Seniors in care can occasionally become distant from the new way of life, leaving home, or being surrounded by new faces. This can result in loneliness and eventually depression, which is something we, as a care home, never want to see happen. Therefore, we believe in providing our residents with care that will lighten their spirits and add joy to their lives.
There have been many studies that have proven how animal therapy can impact the lives of all of us but mostly in the older age range. It is now known that the elderly that are surrounded by others, actively participating, and keeping busy, or own a pet will decline in health at a far slower rate than those who don’t.
Animal therapy is not just there for the health side of things, even though to us, our residents, their friends, and family, health is a priority, but we also want our residents to love their home, feel healthy, happy, and enjoy life and animal therapy is a technique that will boost everyone’s mood and we love our visits!