Anyone who owns a dog will be quick to explain how much their companion has changed their life for the better.
The way they greet you, the pitter patter of paws and the unconditional love felt is incredible and many people cannot imagine their lives without them. Lockdowns in the last year have brought pet ownership into focus once again and more of us than ever have an animal companion in our lives or have access to someone who does. This incredible bond with animals is scientifically proven to be of huge benefit to people of all ages and abilities. Dogs in particular can be trained to support people in a variety of settings.
Those in care have experienced the balancing act of keeping safe in a pandemic, while simultaneously needing social interactions, physical movement, and a sense of connection.
Our staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that those we care for are safe and provided with a stimulating, creative environment so we can thrive despite the challenges. Pet therapy is a great addition to Red Homes, our pet practitioners bring well-trained, friendly, and patient dogs into our care homes to create a lasting impact with our residents. The benefits are wide-ranging, and we are encouraging more care homes to join us in reintroducing pet therapy. There is a plethora of evidence to show how it will benefit residential communities in a multitude of ways.
Our Red Homes community is filled with friendly, compassionate people; however, feelings of loneliness may still occur as our residents might be missing their former dog, cat, or another species of pet.
The presence of a pet alters your hormones by releasing endorphins, increasing oxytocin, and reducing cortisol levels so that stress is reduced, and your mood is boosted. Quality time with a dog can be a gateway to more social interactions. After a pet therapy session, residents are more likely to join in other activities we are hosting due to being in a more positive mental state. It can also unlock happy memories as many of our residents talk about their previous companions with such joy.
Pet therapy also has an astonishing impact on residents’ physical health as the endorphins reduce pain and walking, cuddling and grooming a dog all help get people moving, therefore increasing strength and reducing swelling.
This boost in activity and happy hormones can reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Even those with reduced mobility can feel the physical and mental benefits as dogs can curl up next to them and provide a supportive paw or an ear to scratch.
This is why pet therapy is considered a holistic approach, it can positively benefit the whole person mentally, physically, and emotionally. The residents at Red Court Care Community are very excited to meet CJ the dog when our sessions begin again, so they can experience the joy of having a furry companion by their side.
