Page 4 - BG Newsletter_Winter 2021_Final

4 BAYSWATER NEWS, WINTER 2021

Health and Wellbeing

The Benefits of Pet Therapy

You’ve most likely heard the saying “dogs are a According to a study published in the Japanese
man’s best friend,” but dogs and other pets alike Psychogeriatric Journal, pet therapy improved
can often do much more for a person’s health than depressive symptoms in residents in a long-term
just being a great companion. Aged care residences, facility by 50%. Participants also experienced an
retirement villages and hospitals can benefit from overall improved self-perceived quality of life.
regular visits from animals trained to offer support
and companionship to people in an unfamiliar or Another study concluded that all participants with
stressful environment through pet therapy. dementia experienced a significant increase in pro-
social behaviour and a decrease in behavioural
Pet therapy, also known as Animal Assisted Therapy disturbances during the interaction with the dog.
(AAT), is a treatment aimed at improving an
individual’s overall health and wellbeing through Pets also play an important role in helping
consistent interaction with an animal. Pet therapy individuals recover from loss. Elderly people who
benefits both children and adults and has been have recently lost a spouse or family member can
proven to elevate mood and decrease loneliness. greatly benefit from the companionship of an
animal, as it can provide comfort during times of
The first formal research into pet therapy began in grief.
the 1960s and it has become an increasingly
popular form of treatment for people with A study conducted in Germany involving therapy
disabilities, mental illness, chronic diseases, dogs found that residents living with dementia had
dementia and people living in aged care residences improved verbal communication function and
or in hospital. greater attentiveness after completing the program.
The group who had spent time with the animals
Depending on the needs of the individual, pet reported feeling “interested,” “enthusiastic” and
therapy may involve adopting an animal, taking part “inspired” significantly more than those who did
in a community therapy animal program, or not spend time with the pets.
participating in sessions at an aged care residence.
Animal interaction can promote a sense of Each of our residences, receive regular visits from
belonging, love and appreciation and can be a great animals as part of our Leisure and Lifestyle Program
source of companionship for individuals feeling to help improve mood and decrease stress. Some of
isolated. Pet therapy provides a wide range of the animals used for pet therapy that visit us
benefits to patients both physically and mentally. include dogs and a recent visit with horse therapy.

Source: IRT Group