The Benefits of Pet Therapy in a Care Home

Like so many care services across the UK, Bothwell Castle Care Home understands the importance of animal and pet therapy in care homes. Regular animal interaction can have both immediate and long-lasting positive mental and physical effects. In this blog, we look at what Pet Therapy is and the benefits animal visits can bring older people.

What is Pet Therapy?

Pet or Animal Therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. It is a type of complementary or alternative therapy that should enhance but not replace other treatments. This service is offered in a range of settings, including retirement living, community care, residential care, nursing homes, hospices and rehabilitation centres. Therapy animals can range from small domesticated pets to large farm animals. Dogs are the most common type of animal used in Pet Therapy, but a wide range of animals can be used:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Rabbits
• Guinea Pigs
• Cockatoos
• Fish Aquariums
• Parrots
• Reptiles
• Horses
• Farm Animals 

The Benefits of Pet / Animal Therapy

Research suggests that animals visiting care homes and spending time with animals can boost resident’s general health and well being and reduce negative feelings. This type of therapy uses trained animals as a form of companionship and treatment for people of all ages and medical needs with the aim to boost emotional wellbeing, social interaction and cognitive abilities.

The benefits of Pet / Animal Therapy in Care Homes

Pet Therapy in care homes offers residents affection, enjoyment, and entertainment. Those who are given the opportunity to spend time with therapy animals can enjoy the following benefits:

• Reduces Social Isolation & Improves Social Wellbeing

Feeling isolated from family members can lead to a lack of motivation and a sense of purpose, or a person can feel depressed. Therapy animals and humans have enjoyed therapeutic relationships with each other for more than 12,000 years. The natural healing that comes from interacting with animals continues to provide a positive effect on many people, especially those living in an elderly care home. In the immediate moment, people receive unconditional affection from animals coupled with a friendly face, with benefits lasting long after the therapy session has ended, with residents left talking about and/or reminiscing about experiences.

• Increases Mental Stimulation

Pets provide a type of unconditional love that can help someone build social skills, self confidence and self esteem. Animal-assisted therapy can aid with memory and cognitive skills for individuals living with dementia which may include remembering their own pets name or breed, bringing back happy memories, recalling the handler’s name, improving motor skills and giving basic commands to the dog.

• Improve Well-being and Mental Health 

The positive interactions with an animal may lead to benefits in the mind and body, it can reduce stress levels and provide an overall more balanced mental and emotional state. Those who may not be able to have verbal communication with others can communicate through touch and facial expressions.

• Increase levels of oxytocin and boost mood

Oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin increase in your body while the bad cortisol decreases – so residents instantly feel better, even without the emotional aspects of being with the pet.

• Lower Blood Pressure

An animal's presence can have a calming effect which can help to relieve anxiety and enhance general cardiovascular health. Interacting with an animal naturally provides a calm and relaxing atmosphere. 

Animal Therapy at Bothwell Castle Care Home

As care specialists, we know the positive effects that animal-assisted therapies can have in nursing homes and care homes. With our wide array of facilities and activities, we’re able to create a care home in Bothwell where residents feel loved, safe, and excited for the day ahead. This year we have had multiple visits from some furry friends which have left residents and staff smiling from ear to ear. A visit from Pet Therapy was long overdue following the lockdown and social restrictions and everyone welcomed Bessie, a French Bulldog, with excited, open arms. 

Earlier this year we were also lucky to receive a visit from two beautiful Golden Labradors via Guide Dogs UK. All our residents thoroughly enjoyed the visit from Guide Dogs UK. Staff and residents alike loved having a cuddle from these friendly dogs and we look forward to seeing them again very soon.

We strive to create a home environment at Bothwell Castle and regularly seek input from our residents as to what they would to do and activities they may want to experience. Both residents and staff alike thoroughly enjoy quality time with all of the animals that have visited our home, and he has already proven to be a positive activity that everyone looks forward to.

Life at Bothwell Castle Care Home

We make every effort to ensure that residents are stimulated and are living a fulfilling life on every single day. Daily life at Bothwell Castle Care Home is varied, personalised, and allows each individual to lead the life they desire. From participating in our accessible activities programme to attending trips to the local community in the Bothwell area, we are dedicated to providing activities and opportunities that allow residents to have fun, socialise and be as independent as possible.

If you are looking for a care home for a loved one, or would like to discuss the benefits of pet therapy further, do not hesitate to get in touch with our wonderful team to discuss the available care options available here at Bothwell Castle Care Home.