Caring for a senior loved one means looking for ways to support their mental health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. While traditional medical care plays an important role, sometimes the best comfort comes from an unexpected source: a furry friend.
Pet therapy and animal companionship have been shown to bring incredible benefits to seniors, from reducing stress to improving physical health. Whether it’s the calming presence of a therapy dog, the gentle purring of a cat, or the playful nature of a pet rabbit, animals provide a unique kind of support that enhances emotional and physical well-being.
At Reliant Home Care Services, we recognize how important companionship is for seniors. That’s why we support families in exploring pet therapy as part of a holistic approach to senior care. Whether through in-home pet therapy visits or helping seniors connect with local programs, we believe in the power of animals to bring comfort, joy, and healing.
The Emotional and Mental Health Benefits of Pet Therapy
As seniors age, they often experience loneliness, depression, or anxiety, especially if they live alone or have lost loved ones. Pet therapy offers a natural way to combat these challenges by providing unconditional love and companionship.
Studies have shown that interacting with animals releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of happiness and reduces stress. In fact, a 2024 study published in Perspectives on Integrative Medicine found that seniors who engaged in animal-assisted therapy reported lower levels of anxiety and greater emotional well-being.
For seniors living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, pet therapy can be particularly powerful. Familiar and comforting interactions with therapy animals can reduce agitation, improve mood, and even spark memories that might otherwise seem out of reach. Many caregivers have observed seniors light up when petting a dog or reminiscing about past pets, even if they struggle with daily communication.
Physical Health Benefits of Animal Companionship
Beyond the emotional connection, animal companionship also encourages physical activity, which is essential for senior health. Walking a dog, brushing a cat, or even reaching out to pet a therapy animal promotes movement, flexibility, and coordination.
Research from the American Heart Association suggests that pet owners have lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol levels, and a decreased risk of heart disease. Seniors who engage with therapy animals also show improved mobility, lower stress levels, and even enhanced immune functions.
For those who may not be able to own a pet, regular pet therapy visits can still provide similar benefits. At Reliant, we work with families to explore options for therapy animal visits, bringing the joy of pets into seniors’ lives without the long-term responsibility of pet ownership.
Choosing the Right Type of Animal Therapy
Not every senior has the same comfort level with animals, so choosing the right type of pet therapy is important. Here are a few options:
- Therapy Dogs and Cats – These animals are trained to provide emotional support and companionship. Therapy dogs are especially effective in reducing stress and promoting social interaction.
- Equine Therapy (Horse Therapy) – While less common in home settings, equine therapy has been shown to help seniors with cognitive function, balance, and emotional regulation.
- Small Animal Therapy – Rabbits, birds, and even guinea pigs offer a gentler form of interaction, perfect for seniors who may be hesitant around larger animals.
For seniors receiving home care services, pet therapy can be arranged through local organizations, visiting therapy pets, or even family pets brought in by caregivers.
How Reliant Home Care Services Can Help
At Reliant, we understand that companionship is an essential part of senior well-being. If your loved one could benefit from pet therapy or animal companionship, we can help with the following:
- Coordinate pet therapy sessions with trained therapy animals.
- Support seniors in caring for their own pets, ensuring they can safely enjoy the benefits of pet companionship.
- Incorporate animal-assisted activities into daily care routines for comfort and engagement.
Whether your loved one needs a friendly visit from a therapy dog, support with pet care, or guidance on finding an animal-assisted therapy program, we are here to help.
Bringing Joy, One Paw at a Time
Animals have an incredible way of lifting spirits, offering comfort, and creating moments of happiness, even in the most challenging times. If your senior loved one could benefit from pet therapy or animal companionship, consider exploring the many options available.
At Reliant Home Care Services, we believe in caring for the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. Let us help bring the healing power of pets into your loved one’s life. Contact us today to learn more about pet therapy options!