{"id":3165,"date":"2020-08-15T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-15T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssmgrp.com\/senior-solutions-management-group-shares-the-benefits-of-pet-therapy\/"},"modified":"2020-08-15T12:00:00","modified_gmt":"2020-08-15T12:00:00","slug":"senior-solutions-management-group-shares-the-benefits-of-pet-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ssmgrp.com\/senior-solutions-management-group-shares-the-benefits-of-pet-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Senior Solutions Management Group Shares the Benefits of Pet Therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"SS_Pet<\/p>\n

Anyone who has heard the soft purr of a cat or pet the fluffy coat of a dog knows how therapeutic animals can be. A pet provides countless benefits to the people around them, whether it\u2019s for companionship, comfort, or confidence.Pet therapy, or animal-assisted therapy<\/a><\/span>, is becoming a popular form of mild therapy for older adults, especially those living with memory impairments. Unsurprisingly, interacting with pets has proven to have mental, physical, and emotional benefits. Fortunately, most senior living communities understand the value of pet therapy and incorporate it into their calendar of events.<\/p>\n

Senior Solutions Management Group<\/a><\/span>, with senior living communities across the southeast, offers animal-assisted therapy to promote the happiness and well-being of residents. We\u2019re sharing some information on the benefits of pet therapy, and how we use it here at Senior Solutions.<\/p>\n

What Is Pet Therapy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Animal-assisted therapies and activities are used to provide comfort and enjoyment to the residents of senior living communities. A variety of animals are used for pet therapy\u2014from dogs and cats to fish and mini horses.<\/p>\n

Our River Oaks Place Lenoir City community<\/a><\/span> hosts pet therapy programs twice a month featuring resident-favorite therapy dog, Jewel. Jewel is an 8-year-old golden retriever who has been coming to the community twice a month since she was seven months old. \u201cJewel has been great for the residents,\u201d says Tim Snow, Activities Director at River Oaks Place Lenior City, \u201cthey\u2019ve watched her grow up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Animals involved in pet therapy are licensed and trained specially to interact with specific types of people. Animals used in therapeutic visitation to senior living communities are generally large, calm dogs, like golden retrievers or labrador retrievers. While some service animals aren\u2019t meant to be pet\u2014that\u2019s the exact purpose of these therapy dogs. In fact, Jewel even wears a sign that says, \u201cPlease Pet Me.\u201d The residents love petting her, too! Research shows<\/a><\/span> that the simple act of stroking a dog can ease anxieties and calm people down. \u201cJust petting her helps them tremendously,\u201d Snow says.<\/p>\n

At River Oaks Place Lenoir City<\/a><\/span>, there even used to be cats living in the community. When the residents were napping in common areas, the cats would crawl up next to them, and according to Snow, \u201cyou could see them visibly relax.\u201d<\/p>\n

We also partner with the STAR Rehab Program<\/a><\/span>, which brings miniature horses to our residents. The residents love the horses because they are something new and different to interact with and pet.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Pet Therapy <\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are several known benefits of animal therapy\u2014from mental to physical to emotional. Because of this, it\u2019s often used in a variety of ways with different types of people and conditions. Here are some of the benefits of pet therapy and how it\u2019s used<\/a><\/span>:<\/p>\n