Animal Therapy
Date of news/blog: 6th March 2023Animal or pet therapy has long been proven to have both positive physical and mental benefits on people and this why it has become an integral part of the activities programmes at Dormy’s four homes.
It’s particularly beneficial for people living with dementia because it’s a way of unlocking happy memories of owning a pet, visiting a zoo, or other interactions with animals they will have had during their lives.
Alzheimers.net, an online community which supports people affected by Alzheimer’s, said about animal therapy: “While companionship is an obvious benefit, a well-timed animal visit may also help with anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon to watch someone transition from emotionless to joyful when an animal enters the room.
This joy was certainly evident recently when Brockington House hosted a visit from Black Mountains Falconry, a business based in Abergavenny which offers experience days and other interactions with its magnificent birds of prey.
Roger, from Black Mountains Falconry brought Sherlock, the barn owl; Zulu, the African spotted owl; Mr Black, a red kite; and a turkey vulture called Riggor. He conducted a group session with the residents and then visited our ladies and gentlemen in their rooms for an even more up close and personal experience of these beautiful creatures.
Our residents were left thrilled and very much stimulated by the experience.
Pet, or therapy, animals can improve emotional, social, and cognitive abilities, offering affection, enjoyment, and entertainment, and giving residents a break in routine and something they can look forward to.
Residents are often more likely to join in with activities with others in the home when a therapy pet is around and they not only offer companionship with an individual but also help them to build friendships with other residents in the home.
Animals have a calming nature on humans and research has proved that they can increase levels of oxytocin in our bodies which is the stress-reducing hormone, whilst also decreasing the production of cortisol which is a producer of stress.
Therapy animals have also shown they can increase positive social behaviour and decrease agitated behaviour in people living with dementia.
So, whether it’s a bird of prey, or simply, man’s best friend, when it comes to our homes our residents are always going to benefit from regular interaction with animals, through our varied and stimulating activity programmes.