Pets can help older people avoid the need for psychotherapy

Pets can help older people avoid the need for psychotherapy

Depression is a serious problem for older people. The inability to perform normal daily activities due to their health, the death of a spouse or loved one, and isolation from friends and family can affect the well-being of older adults. Although therapists' training includes specific care for their elderly patients, this may be a better approach to helping older people avoid the need for psychotherapy. One way they do this is by having a pet or being exposed to pet therapy.

Having a pet can be a very positive force in an older person's life. If they live alone, the benefits of having a pet are even greater. Pets provide structure and companionship to their lives. Pets alleviate loneliness, reduce depression and anxiety, and help older adults cope with the loss of a loved one. Researchers at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario, have proven that people with pets are more active and have a more positive outlook on life. This finding was supported by a paper published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

A Mayo Clinic study uncovered some interesting facts about senior pet ownership:

1) Pet ownership reduces doctor visits by 21%.

2) Alzheimer's patients stay more present when they own a pet.

3) Seniors who do not have pets see a significant decline in their physical and mental well-being over time.

4) Nursing home patients undergoing pet therapy have an increase in social and verbal interaction.

These statistics support the benefits of pets and pet therapy. Even seniors with physical disabilities show fewer signs of depression than seniors who have not had pets or been exposed to pet therapy.

Many therapists and counselors recognize the positive impact that pet therapy can have on their patients. Nursing homes use pet therapy and some even have pets that residents can interact with. Volunteers also bring their pets for older patients to spend time with several times a week.

The goal of psychotherapy is to help people live better lives and achieve better well-being. If therapy is necessary, the benefits can be increased through pets and pet therapy. Many programs that train therapists now include pet therapy. It is a valuable and useful treatment method that can help older people avoid the need for psychotherapy.

Alternative practitioner psychotherapy

The best place to find alternative practitioners psychotherapy is in our free alternative practitioner directory. To view all alternative psychotherapy practitioners, please click here.