Senior memory care in Kansas City has been offering the Pets for Life program to its residents as a part of dementia care for a long time. Many studies have shown that visits from friendly dogs and cats can not only brighten the day for someone with dementia, but also helps improve a person’s mental, social, emotional, and physical health.

Companion and service pets have become integrated into the care plans of senior memory care in Kansas City. The mental, emotional, and physical benefits of service dogs used to assist veterans with disabilities ranging from deafness and blindness to social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder also apply to seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Pets can be beneficial to senior memory care in Kansas City because interacting with animals is cognitively stimulating. Petting, walking, or simply being around pets help motivates seniors to get more involved in physical activities and engages a senior’s mental and physical abilities. For seniors with dementia, depending on their physical mobility, a leisurely walk on the grounds or tossing a ball with a dog contributes to physical fitness and brings enjoyment. Even the smallest exertion, such as stroking a purring cat, can help get seniors’ muscles moving and calm emotions.

Seniors often form a special bond with pets and things like brushing a pet or giving it a treat can make them feel wanted and needed. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may feel compelled to talk to pets, which is healthy and encouraged. A pet is a natural companion and always a good listener – they are unconcerned with memory loss and hearing the same story over and over. Visits from pets can bring a routine to a senior’s life that gives them a sense of purpose and something to look forward to and helps improve their physical mobility as well.

While pet therapy doesn’t cure emotions, it can distract from negative feelings and go a long way to improve a senior’s mood. Many seniors with dementia at times feel agitated or depressed when they are unable to communicate or get around like they once could. Pet therapy helps reduce feelings of isolation and makes seniors feel better. How could a tail-wagging puppy or a cuddly kitten not make someone feel better?

Clover Care Home Senior Memory Care In Kansas City

913-991-2605