The Psychological and Physical Benefits of Pet Therapy
In care homes, pet therapy is becoming an important part of daily life, helping residents feel more engaged, relaxed, and connected by providing psychological benefits such as reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms. Whether it’s a friendly dog sitting by a resident’s side or a fluffy pony being gently stroked, these interactions can make a real difference to emotional and physical wellbeing.
Many care homes now recognise pet therapy as a valuable part of person-centred activities. It can be a regular feature in an activities programme, helping residents take part in meaningful activities that spark conversation and create moments of joy. Whether through one-to-one sessions or group activities, pet therapy offers a simple yet effective way to improve mental wellbeing and bring a sense of calm to everyday life.
The Benefits of Pet Therapy on Care Home Residents' Mental Health
Pet therapy involves carefully trained animals visiting care homes to spend time with residents in a safe and structured way. These sessions are far more than just a lovely experience. Spending time with animals encourages social interaction, supports cognitive function, and even helps with motor skills. For many residents, especially those living with dementia, the presence of an animal can bring a deep sense of familiarity and comfort.
For older adults living in care homes, cognitive stimulation is an important part of daily care. The presence of an animal can encourage focus and engagement, helping residents stay in the moment. Simple actions like reaching out to touch an animal (even a snake or a tarantula) or watching a dog respond to its handler offers valuable sensory experiences. These interactions can also spark meaningful conversations, especially for people who had pets earlier in life. Talking about a favourite childhood dog or remembering the daily routine of caring for a pet can unlock memories and encourage storytelling, strengthening a resident’s sense of personal identity and aligning with residents' interests.
Pet therapy also helps to bring people together. Residents who may be quiet or withdrawn often open up when an animal is present, facilitating social interaction with other residents and care staff. A shared moment of laughter over a guinea pig's antics or a discussion about different dog breeds can help form connections, making pet therapy an important aspect of creating meaningful activities.
Encouraging Social Interaction and Group Activities
One of the loveliest benefits of pet therapy is that it brings people together. Animals are a natural conversation starter, helping residents engage with other residents and carers in a relaxed and enjoyable way. Pet therapy sessions can be incorporated into group activities, making them even more interactive and engaging. Residents might take turns giving treats, brushing a dog’s coat, or observing how the animal responds to commands. These shared experiences can encourage meaningful conversations, helping to build friendships and boost self-esteem.
In most good care homes, pet therapy is an important part of a well-rounded activities programme, sitting alongside arts and crafts, exercise classes, and other fun activities. The sessions can be tailored to different abilities, ensuring that everyone has the chance to take part. Whether a resident enjoys watching from a distance or actively interacting with the animal, pet therapy provides an accessible activity that adds variety to their daily life.
The Physical Health Benefits of Pet Therapy
Pet therapy is not only good for the mind, research has shown that it has real physical benefits too. Simply stroking an animal has been shown to help regulate blood pressure and reduce stress, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. The rhythmic motion of running a hand through a dog’s fur or feeling the gentle purring of a cat has a soothing effect that eases tension, helping residents feel more relaxed.
Interacting with animals can also help maintain motor skills, particularly in residents who have reduced dexterity or mobility. Gentle activities such as brushing a dog’s coat, throwing a ball, or offering treats can encourage movement in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. These small but important actions help with both fine and gross motor skills, making pet therapy a valuable addition to person-centred activities that focus on maintaining physical ability.
For those who are able, pet therapy can also encourage physical activity. A short walk with a visiting shetland pony, or even reaching out to pat an animal, can provide gentle movement that contributes to overall wellbeing. Being out in the fresh air during these outdoor sessions can enhance emotional wellbeing and reduce anxiety. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep residents engaged and active, in a way that feels both rewarding and enjoyable.
Pain Management and Relaxation
Living with chronic pain can be challenging, but pet therapy offers a gentle and natural way to bring relief. Spending time with animals has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which in turn can help ease physical discomfort. The simple act of stroking a dog or feeling the warmth of a cat curled up nearby can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, helping residents feel more at ease.
The calming presence of an animal can also provide a welcome distraction from pain, shifting focus away from discomfort and towards something positive. For residents who experience anxiety alongside physical pain, pet therapy can create a soothing environment that encourages deep breathing and relaxation. These quiet moments with an animal can help lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension, and bring an overall sense of peace.
Pet therapy can also complement other therapeutic approaches used in care homes. Activities such as hand massages or gentle stretching exercises can be combined with animal-assisted therapy to enhance relaxation and comfort. By integrating pet therapy into a broader person-centred care approach, residents can benefit from both emotional support and physical relief, helping them feel more settled and at home.
The Role of the Activities Coordinator in Organising Accessible Activities
A well-planned activities programme is key to ensuring that every resident can enjoy the benefits of pet therapy. The activities coordinator plays an essential role in organising sessions that are engaging, inclusive, and suited to individual needs. By carefully scheduling visits from therapy animals, they can create opportunities for both group activities and one-to-one interactions, ensuring that every resident has the chance to take part in a way that feels comfortable for them.
Pet therapy is one of the most accessible activities in a care home setting. Residents who enjoy active participation may like to brush a dog’s coat or offer treats, while others may prefer simply watching the animals and feeling their presence. The activities coordinator can tailor sessions to different mobility levels and cognitive abilities, making adjustments so that everyone can be involved. Whether as part of a larger leisure activity or a quiet moment of companionship, pet therapy can be adapted to suit a wide range of needs, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to experience its many benefits.
A Positive Impact on Overall Wellbeing
Pet therapy is a simple yet powerful way to enhance the lives of care home residents. From reducing stress and easing chronic pain to encouraging social interaction and boosting self-esteem, spending time with animals brings a wide range of emotional and physical benefits. Whether it’s the comfort of stroking a friendly dog, the joy of sharing memories with other residents, or the gentle encouragement to stay active, pet therapy offers something truly special.
As part of a person-centred approach, pet therapy helps residents feel more connected, valued, and engaged. It can be woven into a varied activities programme, alongside arts and crafts, dance classes, and other exciting activities, ensuring that each resident has access to meaningful activities that support their mental wellbeing and overall health.
Choosing the right care home is about finding a place where loved ones will feel happy, safe, and fulfilled. At Hazelwood Care Home, residents enjoy a rich and engaging lifestyle, with a focus on individual wellbeing and accessible activities tailored to their needs. Our dedicated activities coordinators ensure that each day is filled with opportunities for joy, connection, and stimulation, whether through pet therapy, group activities, or one-to-one moments of companionship.
To learn more about how Hazelwood Care Home supports residents with a carefully planned activities programme, visit contact our team to book a visit.
