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5 Benefits of Pet Therapy for Seniors

Written on . Posted in Blog.

Spending time with dogs, cats, or other pets provides the elderly with several important physical, emotional, and mental benefits that can increase their quality of life. If seniors need professional home care, North Coast families can consider including pet therapy as part of the process for these reasons.

1. Decreased Risk of Depression

Elderly people who spend a lot of time alone have a high risk of depression. Pet therapy provides your loved one with the opportunity to spend time with an animal he or she feels comfortable talking to or just sitting quietly with. This can help boost your loved one’s emotional wellbeing and prevent depression.

2. Lowered Blood Pressure

Seniors with high blood pressure have an increased risk of developing heart problems, especially as they age. Being around a pet has been shown to lower blood pressure levels, which helps lower the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and other coronary issues. In fact, seniors with heart problems who participate in pet therapy tend to have longer lifespans than those who do not.

3. Increased Physical Activity

It’s important for your loved one to stay physically active to lower the risk of falls and to help reduce pain, stiffness, and other symptoms of conditions like arthritis. Pet therapy gives your loved one a chance to get some exercise by taking a dog on walks, which can help him or her maintain strength and flexibility.

4. Reduced Stress

Seniors, especially those with dementia, can become stressed or frustrated when they have difficulty communicating with other people. If your loved one has dementia, having pets around offers a chance for him or her to bond and connect with others without having to rely on language. Using pet therapy as part of your loved one’s North Coast dementia care can help ease symptoms of the condition.

5. Enhanced Self-Esteem

Some seniors experience a loss of confidence and lowered self-esteem when they have to depend on others. Having pets around to spend time with and take care of can help boost your loved one’s self-confidence and self-esteem and help him or her continue to feel independent.

Though the therapeutic qualities of animals are wonderful to engage in, some seniors thrive better with a human touch. At Home Care Assistance, we make sure to match the right compassionate caregiver with your loved one to ensure he or she receives high-quality home care from a trusted companion. We also offer comprehensive Parkinson’s, stroke, and Alzheimer’s care North Coast families trust. To learn more and to request a no-obligation consultation in your home, call (02) 6646 3527 to speak with one of our friendly Care Managers.

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We have the highest praise for HCA as an organisation, and deep gratitude and respect for the people involved - all the way from Dave & Meg at the top right through office staff and on to the... wonderful warm carers who have meant so much to our mother over the last three years. From our experience HCA offers a service far beyond the general expectations of the aged care sector, and we have no hesitation recommending them. Thank you HCA, for all that you've done for Mum - and for us by extension.read more
Our family has benefited from the excellent support and services from David, Meg and the team at Home Care Assistance North Coast for the past couple of years. I had an extensive list of questions... when we were deciding which provider to go with. David answered promptly, and impressed me with his empathy, accessibility (available after hours, weekends), and ability to tailor a package to meet our particular needs. Add to that the best value for package dollars, and it was an easy decision to go with HCA North Coast.The staff employed by HCA North Coast have been excellent. David was able to source staff who were a good match for my Dad’s personality. As our needs evolved, it was easy to change any aspect of the care provided.I am very happy to recommend Home Care Assistance North Coast, for anyone looking for quality care for their loved one.read more
I switched my Father’s Homecare package from a large provider to HCA and I’m so glad I did. From the very first contact I was struck by the degree of professionalism, expertise and friendliness from... all I came in contact with. The high standard of care and calibre of the care staff was evident from the beginning and carried right through. Communication was always responsive and timely and nothing was too much trouble. The values of the company and management team have filtered right through to the staff and you feel you are in the company of family who really care, which is very comforting. I have no hesitation in recommending the services of HCA for exemplary care of the elderly in their home.read more
Home Care Assistance North Coast have been absolutely wonderful caring for my elderly parents. All their staff have been kind, considerate and very professional. Management is very friendly, always... willing to accommodate any needed changes and care greatly about the welfare of both their clients and their lovely careers. Their careers have been absolute angels, to say the least. My thanks go to all the people at Home Care Assistance North Coast.read more
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