Enhancing eldercare with pet therapy programmes

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In eldercare, therapy extends far beyond traditional medical interventions. Beyond physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, holistic care in nursing homes often includes creative and alternative approaches like music therapy, art therapy, horticulture therapy, and reminiscence therapy. These methods aim to stimulate mental well-being, foster social connections, and enhance quality of life. Among these innovations, pet therapy has emerged as a popular choice, gaining recognition for its unique ability to engage both the body and the soul.

Overview of pet therapy

Pet therapy, or animal-assisted therapy (AAT), involves guided interaction between individuals and trained animals under professional supervision. The concept traces back to the 18th century when animals were first used in psychiatric institutions for therapeutic purposes. However, it gained formal recognition in the 1960s, thanks to Dr. Boris Levinson, a child psychologist who discovered that interactions with his dog significantly improved the emotional responses of his patients.

Today, pet therapy has gained global traction, with organisations like Pet Partners and Therapy Dogs International standardising training and certification for therapy animals. Nursing homes, hospitals, and schools increasingly incorporate pet therapy into their care models, reflecting its widespread acceptance as a valuable adjunct to conventional therapies.

Types of pet therapy

Therapeutic visitation programmes
Trained animals visit nursing homes to engage with residents under the guidance of certified handlers. These visits often involve petting, cuddling, or simply observing the animals.
Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA)
These are less formal sessions where pets and residents interact, fostering casual companionship and joy.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)
A structured, goal-oriented approach involving trained therapists, where specific therapeutic objectives are pursued through activities like grooming, walking, or feeding animals.
Resident animals
Some nursing homes have on-site resident pets like cats, birds, or fish, offering ongoing companionship to residents.

Benefits of pet therapy

Emotional and psychological
- Mood enhancement
  The unconditional affection and companionship provided by animals can uplift spirits, reduce feelings of sadness, and boost overall morale. For many elderly individuals, particularly those without regular family visits, animals can become a source of consistent emotional support.
- Stress and anxiety reduction
  Physical interaction with animals (like petting or cuddling) stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with relaxation and bonding, while simultaneously lowering cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
- Cognitive stimulation
  For residents with dementia or cognitive impairments, animals can help trigger long-forgotten memories, improve focus, and provide gentle mental engagement.
Physical health
- Improved vital signs
  Studies have shown that interacting with animals can help reduce blood pressure, slow heart rate, and alleviate physical tension, contributing to cardiovascular health.
- Motor skill development
  Tasks like grooming or feeding animals encourage fine motor movement and improve hand-eye coordination, which is crucial for residents recovering from strokes or managing conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
- Encouragement of exercise
  Therapy sessions involving walks or light activities with animals motivate physical movement, even in those who are usually sedentary.
Social and community
- Increased interaction
  The presence of animals often serves as a social catalyst, encouraging residents to talk to one another or share experiences.
- Enhanced group activities
  Therapy animals can be integrated into group sessions, creating shared positive experiences that foster camaraderie among residents.
Dementia-specific advantages
- Reduction in agitation
  Residents with dementia often display lower levels of aggression or restlessness when interacting with animals.
- Soothing presence
  For those experiencing confusion or anxiety, the rhythmic motion of stroking an animal can be deeply calming.

Shortcomings of pet therapy

Health risks
- Allergic reactions
  Animal fur, dander, or saliva may trigger allergies in residents or staff, requiring careful selection of hypoallergenic breeds or alternatives like fish or turtles.
- Zoonotic diseases
  Animals can carry bacteria or parasites that pose a risk to elderly residents with weakened immune systems. Strict health screenings and hygiene protocols are essential.
Psychological challenges
- Animal phobia or discomfort
  Not all residents are comfortable around animals. Past traumas or inherent fears may make interactions stressful rather than beneficial.
- Emotional dependency
  Some residents may form overly strong emotional attachments to therapy animals, leading to distress if the animal is unavailable or the programme ends.
Operational constraints
- Logistical costs
  Training, certifying, and maintaining therapy animals can be expensive. Nursing homes must allocate funds for veterinary care, grooming, and feeding.
- Staffing demands
  Supervised sessions require trained staff, increasing workload and necessitating additional training.
- Animal stress
  Animals working in unfamiliar environments or engaging with multiple people daily can become stressed, affecting their behaviour and well-being.

Key considerations for introducing pet therapy

Resident needs and preferences
- Conduct surveys or assessments to understand residents’ interests, allergies, fears, and overall openness to pet therapy. This ensures that the programme aligns with their preferences.
Animal selection
- Species
  Dogs and cats are popular choices, but smaller, low-maintenance animals like birds, rabbits, or fish can be effective alternatives.
- Temperament
  Only well-socialised, calm, and non-aggressive animals should be chosen to minimise risks.
Regulatory and ethical compliance
- Nursing homes must adhere to local health and safety regulations regarding therapy animals. Partnering with certified organisations ensures compliance and ethical treatment of animals.
Infrastructure readiness
- Designate spaces for pet interactions, ensuring they are accessible, hygienic, and safe for both residents and animals.
Integration with care plans
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to design therapy sessions tailored to residents’ physical and psychological goals. For example, using animal interactions to improve motor function or reduce symptoms of depression.
Staff education and involvement
- Train staff to facilitate interactions, address safety concerns, and manage any emergencies that might arise. Staff should also understand how to monitor the animal’s behaviour and well-being.

Introducing pet therapy at different scales

Trial runs and pilot programmes
- Begin with one-time or limited-duration visits from therapy animals to gauge resident reactions. Based on feedback, expand the programme gradually.
Partnerships
- Collaborate with animal shelters or therapy organisations to reduce costs and access trained animals. Some shelters offer programs where animals are brought in temporarily, ensuring variety and minimising operational burden.
Resident involvement
- Encourage residents to participate in caring for on-site animals, such as feeding fish or watering plants in an aviary. This fosters a sense of purpose and ownership.
Therapeutic integration
- Combine pet therapy with other programs like reminiscence therapy (e.g., residents sharing stories about pets they owned) or physical therapy (e.g., walking a dog as part of rehabilitation).

Precautions for pet therapy programmes

Pre-screening
- Ensure therapy animals undergo comprehensive health checks and vaccinations before entering the facility.
- Conduct risk assessments to identify residents for whom pet therapy might not be suitable.
Supervised interactions
- Always have trained staff or handlers present during sessions to manage both resident and animal behavior.
Strict hygiene protocols
- Provide handwashing stations and sanitizers for residents and staff. Clean animal-contact areas thoroughly after each session.
Emergency plans
- Be prepared for incidents such as minor scratches or allergic reactions by keeping first aid kits and emergency contact information readily available.

Conclusion

Pet therapy offers a transformative way to enhance the lives of nursing home residents. The emotional comfort, physical stimulation, and social benefits it provides make it a worthwhile addition to eldercare programmes. While the challenges (ranging from allergies to costs) are real, they can be mitigated through thoughtful planning, phased implementation, and collaboration with certified organisations.

In conclusion, pet therapy should be embraced by nursing homes, provided that it aligns with residents’ needs and preferences. Its ability to spark joy, foster connections, and improve overall well-being makes it an invaluable tool in creating a nurturing, compassionate environment for our elderly population.

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