Pets for the Elderly

The elderly

There is ample evidence that both dogs and cats can have a very positive affect on the elderly (see References and Resources Section). Being a pet guardian can reduce the risk of clinical depression and improve one’s health through increased exercise. Pet owners are better able to attend to their own activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals. Having a pet can provide meaningful activities for the elderly. It allows the elderly to focus on something other than oneself.  A pet can provide a sense of responsibility, feelings of satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment.  The companionship of a pet can:

·         lower blood pressure,  

·         reduce the risk of heart disease, ,

·         lower cholesterol,

·         minimize medication,

·         provide more opportunities for exercise (with the resulting strengthening of muscles and bones which also reduces the risk of falling and the risk of fractures),

·         increase range of motion,

·         reduce pain,

·          decrease the infirmities that go along with stress,

·         result in fewer trips to the doctor,

·         encourage a smoker to give it up,

·         improve longevity.

Pets can make a big difference for seniors who are depressed. Having a companion pet can:

·         decrease feelings of  loneliness,

·         decrease anxiety,

·         increase mental alertness,

·         increase happiness

·         reduce social isolation,

·         help to reverse a negative self image,

·         decrease stress

·          increase self worth and

·         give the elderly something to care for.

Tactile sensations of petting are known factors for positive feelings. Having a pet provides a topic of conversation and a connection to others who have an interest in animals. Pets make people feel good. They provide comfort and emotional support. A dog can provide a feeling of safety as it alerts the elderly to someone coming to the door and can improve the feeling of safety for the elderly when they are out walking (if a dog is along).

This program is not for everyone. The requirements for an elderly adopter are similar to anyone adopting a dog or cat. The adopter must be able to:

·         Train the dog – forget about training a cat.

·         Feed the animal

·         Clean up after them

·         Interact with the pet – walking, grooming, petting, hanging out,…

·         Take them to the vet or have accesses to a responsible person who can help them take the animal to the vet

·         Have the financial resources to be responsible for the animal’s well-being.

·         Have the mental acuity to deal with their pet. Note:  An Alzheimer’s patient or one who has another type of dementia and is living with a responsible relative or caregiver can be very positively impacted by the adopted animal but the individual with dementia  cannot be expected to be the primary care giver.

The animals

On the animal side, the shelters are filled with older dogs and cats that are usually passed over as potential adoptees. Some of these animals are perfect for the elderly since they are less active and don’t require a strenuous exercise regimen and we can help save the lives of these dogs and cats. Some of the characteristics we would look for are:

·         Adult

·         Not too big – owner should be able to pick up the pet

·         Not too active

·         Mellow

·         People oriented

·         A dog or cat that likes human interaction

·         Few medical problems

·         House trained

From the Delta Society

“The dog should behave in a friendly manner to both people and other animals, should not display inappropriately fearful reactions to normal experiences and should not behave in an excessively submissive or assertive manner. The dog should display confidence and a willingness to interact with people in a novel environment.”

Target Audience

Part of the problem is the lack of awareness of the benefits and the mindset that should signal a dog or cat as the solution to an elderly situation that could be alleviated with the animal’s introduction. Our target audience is:

·         An elderly person, possibly living alone

·         Children of that elderly person who want to improve the quality of life for mom or dad.

·         Caregivers

·         Social workers

·         Gerontologists, and primary care doctors and nurse practitioners who deal with the elderly

·         HMOs

·         Health insurance companies

·         Homes for the elderly, assisted living facilities

·         Government representatives who want to improve the lives of the elderly and want to reduce health care costs

·         Publications such as AARP, LA Times Health Section, Bottom Line Health, …

·         Media (TV, YouTube, blogs…)

·         Dog and cat rescue organizations and City and County shelters who want to adopt out older animals.

·         Support groups dealing with the elderly

·         Individuals who work during the day and would love to have an at-home person to provide daycare or companionship so that the animal is not alone for eight hours.

·         Hospice workers (to bring a dog along on visits)

Children of the elderly are often unable to deal with a parent who shuts down physically and emotionally. These children are looking for solutions to make their parents’ lives better. We can help.

Who does this benefit?

·         The elderly

·         Children or caregivers of the elderly

·         Rescue organizations

·         Shelters and the communities that support them

·         Professionals who recognize resources that can improve the lives of their patients and clients

·         HMOs improving the morbidity and mortality of their members and reducing their costs

·         Health care insurers reducing the cost of their insured’s coverage

·         The federal and state government reducing Medicare and Medical costs

·         Manufacturers and retailers of dog and cat products

·         And finally, the “Senior-Friendly” dogs and cats

References and Resources

·         American Federation for Aging, Depression Information Center, www. afar.org

·         Achieve Solutions, Pets: A Prescription for Your Good Health

·         Elderly Client Adviser, Older people and companion animals

·         Humane Society of Canada, Helping Elderly and their Pets Can Reduce Health Care Costs Says HSC

·         http://resources.metapress.com, Animal Companions, Luciano L’Abate

·         HealthDay Reporter, Smokers Will Stop for Their Pet’s Sake,

·         HealthDay Reporter, Need a Walking Partner? Try a Dog

·         Petsfortheelderly.org/research

·         Petprojectsforpets.org, The Human/Companion Animal Bond

·         www.listnow.com/helpingpaws, Companions For the Elderly

·         Lynette A. Hart, Companion animals enhancing human health and wellbeing