Researchers have for long observed that the human association with pets is positive for us, and can even have health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and heart rate and reducing anxiety levels.
And now, dementia and Alzheimer’s communities around the globe have noted the therapeutic benefits of animals for their residents and patients.
As a consequence, more and more of these communities are allowing residents to keep pets and are organising therapeutic programmes involving animals.
Ivan Oosthuizen is the Chief Executive Officer of Livewell Group, an organisation that specialises in dementia care.
He says that his company has researched the benefits of animals for people living with dementia, most of whom positively light up in the presence of a domestic animal such as a dog or cat.
‘Dementia – a syndrome that is incurable and progressively erodes memory and cognitive function, impacts patients in different ways.
‘Many people with dementia do, however, go on to suffer mood shifts, feelings of loneliness, depression, apathy and have difficulties communicating with others and, as a result, may increasingly isolate themselves.
‘Quite often patients who are showing signs of withdrawing from other people, find pets less threatening, and respond most positively and quite impulsively to a dog, cat, bird or other pet.
‘The animals bring people together and encourage them to engage in activities such as a morning walks, or stimulate a discussion about the breed with others.’
‘Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms’ – English novelist, George Eliot
Natural mood boosters
Occupational therapist Corlia Schutte concurs, saying that it has been shown that engaging with a pet can reduce the levels of the stress inducing hormone cortisol, while assisting in boosting the levels of the feel good hormone serotonin.
In other words, she says pets often have a most positive physiological and psychological effect on people.
The presence of domestic animals can have the following therapeutic benefits for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients:
• They can establish a strong emotional bond with seniors and can reduce anxiety levels and symptoms of depression
• Pets can provide seniors with emotional support, as well as a sense of meaning and purpose
• Domestic animals invoke feelings of playfulness, empathy and caring, and may help to alleviate tedium
• Pets are fun and may assist in motivating seniors to involve themselves in more physical and social activities
• Many people living with dementia who find it difficult to communicate with other people, often respond well to animals.
• Pets may stimulate warm memories of previous associations with valued pets among people with dementia.
Be aware of the following influences
Schutte says that some patients may not necessarily be in the mood to interact with the family dog on a particular day, while others may simply not like animals.
A highly-strung dog that barks and jumps on people, or a parrot that bites, may be upsetting for some.
She also warns that people with later stage dementia may behave erratically and unpredictably towards animals, and advises families of people with dementia to keep the following in mind with regards to pets:
• Try to be mindful of the person’s mood and energy levels, as they may not always want to engage with an animal
• Ensure that the patient does not become over stimulated by Fifi’s high energy levels and do not let the pet overstay its welcome
• If a person with dementia shows signs of distress or agitation, it may be advisable to end the visit
• Morning or early afternoon are usually better times to bring the family pet to visit the resident, as they tend to have more energy and be more alert then.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
