Pets can improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing dementia and Alzheimer's by alleviating some of the disease's main burdens. Pets can assist with symptoms like confusion, isolation, appetite loss, and agitation. Both research and anecdotal evidence show that animal friends offer social, physical, and psychological benefits.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) for Alzheimer's Patients
Animal companions can be particularly rewarding for those struggling with Alzheimer's disease by drastically improving their quality of life in several ways.
When an individual experiences cognitive decline, social situations can cause intense agitation and frustration. These emotions are often calmed in the presence of a pet or support animal. Experts hypothesize that so many Alzheimer's patients take to a new pet relatively quickly because there's no pressure to interact in a particular way. A high-quality study published in 2002 found that after a resident dog was placed in an Alzheimer's care facility for several weeks, anxiety issues among residents measurably decreased.
When it comes to physical exercise, a pet can be a wonderful exercise companion for Alzheimer's-impacted individuals who can handle short walks and have decent mobility. Some service dogs are trained to stay with an individual or alert others in the event of a fall. A small amount of movement, such as throwing a ball for a pet to fetch or even brushing a pet, can provide a gentle form of activity and maintain mobility.
Ordinary Pets vs. Trained Therapy Animals
All furry friends can bring joy and provide benefits to the individuals they interact with. Research shows, however, that specially trained service animals can offer significant benefits to Alzheimer's patients. Especially in long-term care communities, properly trained service dogs who are trained to be engaging and calm around strangers can provide a soothing presence to residents.
Several studies with control groups have shown how simply being around friendly, loving animals can improve well-being. These benefits include slowing down heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and regulating eating habits in those experiencing cognitive decline. While these benefits are helpful to all older adults, they are uniquely beneficial in memory care settings.
BayView: Southern California Senior Assisted Living
At BayView Assisted Living, we strive to provide compassionate, individualized care, preserving our residents' dignity at every stage of their Alzheimer's journey. We're committed to holistic care that engages our residents emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Safe and Secure Senior Living Community with Hospice Accommodations
At BayView, we promote safety with a secured perimeter environment and trained staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our beautiful assisted living home and surrounding grounds are equipped with surveillance cameras in all public and outdoor spaces. Our home and spacious grounds meet all ADA requirements including wide hallways, safety rails, shower chairs, and no lips or gaps at doorways. This allows for easy wheelchair and walker access, increasing ease of mobility for residents.
San Diego's Top Memory Care and Senior Care Community
BayView Senior Assisted Living in Point Loma, California is one of the top assisted living facilities in the greater San Diego area. We're known for our compassionate caregivers, beautiful grounds, and personalized, individualized care. We consider it an honor to walk alongside families as they traverse the challenging and heartbreaking journey of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
We understand that our residents' holistic experience of life (social, spiritual, emotional, mental, physical) is incredibly important. Our compassionate caregivers provide top-notch, individualized care to each member of our memory care communities.
