PET BENEFITS AND THE ELDERLY

HOW PETS CAN HELP THE ELDERLY TO LIVE LONGER, HAPPIER LIVES

Who in the family is most likely to show how pleased they are to see you when you return home? Most likely, it’s your trusty canine companion. You get a lovely warm glow from saying hello to your dog. This is commonly referred to as the ‘pet effect’. And, it’s not just limited to our dogs. Studies have found that cat owners are 40% less likely to have a stroke or heart attack than their feline-free friends. Research has also shown that pets in general can have a calming influence for those suffering from all levels of dementia, helping to alleviate agitation, depression, and anxiety.

On paper, it might seem that for an older person the responsibility of looking after a pet is simply too much to ask: a dog might live for 15 years and by then, who knows what might have happened to their human carer. But, in actual fact, the positive factors of pet ownership far outweigh the negatives.

So what are the benefits?

Sense of purpose Caring for a pet can provide a role and give a sense of purpose, particularly for older people living on their own. Owning a pet can be hugely rewarding and have a positive effect on health. It can lead to a reduction in stress, a decrease in blood pressure and heartrate, and can help lower anxiety levels.

Exercise Purely on the physical side, pets need walking, feeding, watering, grooming and playing with. All these activities require some sort of movement from their owners. Just getting up out of your chair a few times a day to let a cat in can help with flexibility and can be of benefit to the cardiovascular system.

Companionship Pets can also help prevent isolation. Not only do they provide a source of companionship, but in the case of a dog, having a daily walk routine gives a genuine reason to get out in the fresh air with the added benefit of interacting with other people walking in your area. Many lifelong friendships are forged between dog owners who want a walking partner. This opportunity for interaction can be an important secret weapon against depression.

Motivation Another way in which the ‘pet effect’ can protect older people from depression, is by providing a reason to get up every morning. No one can stay in bed while a dog or cat is whining for their breakfast, and the feeling of being needed helps older people to thrive when they are living alone.

There is a lot of evidence that pets can have a positive effect on the elderly, even if it is only as a visitor. Many nursing homes and even some hospitals, welcome owners and their pets, particularly dogs, to visit residents and patients, offering therapeutic support as well as a welcome activity to break potential boredom.

For anyone concerned about the longer term responsibility of owning and looking after a pet, there are groups that can help. For example, The Cinnamon Trust is a charity than can offer support. A network of 15,000 volunteers ‘hold hands’ with owners to provide vital loving care for their pets. They will help keep them together – for example, walk a dog every day for a housebound owner or foster pets when owners need hospital care.

Many of Otus Live-in Care’s registered carers are happy to look after a client’s pets. They certainly know the benefits having a pet can bring to their clients.

The Otus team is always happy to answer any questions you might have about how live-in care could help you or an elderly relative. Call 01403 710119 for a ‘no-obligation’ chat.