Animal Therapy is Beneficial for Those with Alzheimer’s Disease

At MorningStar at Englefield Green our unique approach to memory care is designed to nurture, support and respect the essence of the individual regardless of the level of memory loss.  Our team leverages the power of art, music, dance, and aromatherapy as well as uses animals to heal and comfort residents while we take into account each person’s uniqueness.    

Studies have shown that “therapy dogs and other animals can stimulate social interaction and ease agitation in dementia patients.”  However, experts caution that it “takes specially trained pets to bring the full benefit of animal therapy into elder care settings.”  Animals must be matched to the right situation and to the right human, and typically dogs have been the easiest to train as they remain comfortable interacting with a variety of people.    

Therapists say that animal therapy may be beneficial to dementia patients because the person sees the animal as someone they can interact with without worry.  Animal/people relationships do not require good communication skills that can be difficult for many people with dementia. 

In addition to encouraging social interactions and reducing agitation, animal therapy has also been shown to increase physical activity.  Many patients get pleasure from playing with a dog, taking it for a short walk or helping to groom it.  Another unexpected benefit of bringing animals and Alzheimer’s patients together is it seems to improve the person’s appetite after the animal’s visit.        

From the moment you step through MorningStar at Englefield Green’s door, you will discover a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels like a true home.  Please contact us to learn more about what sets MorningStar apart from other Alzheimer’s care homes.   

The mission statement of MorningStar at Englefield Green, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other Alzheimer’s care homes.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, and offers loving, compassionate care in a beautiful residential setting.  We encourage you to schedule a tour to see for yourself the finest memory care in Boise.   

Source: everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/how-animal-therapy-helps-dementia-patients.aspx