Articles

The Importance of Pets to the Elderly

10/28/2015

According to a recent survey, nearly 5% of elderly people would consider committing suicide if their pet was taken away from them in order for them to enter a care home. Of those surveyed, over 20% said that they would refuse to go into a care home if it meant leaving their pet behind.

Deborah Stone, the Managing Director of My Aging Parent said that: "While all of us love our pets, for many elderly people the bonds can be even closer, especially for those living alone. Having to leave their pets behind to be rehomed, or possibly put down, is an emotional and upsetting decision facing a growing number of elderly people who are no longer able to look after themselves."

Her solution was to provide live-in care for elderly people who would then no longer need to leave their homes and could keep their pets and their familiar environment whilst receiving help and companionship.

She continued by saying: "Sheltered housing and care homes work for some people... but not for everyone. Sharing your home with someone who provides domiciliary care and possibly a level of nursing care can actually be a cost-effective and practical solution. It can also keep people close to their existing support network and social circle."

The benefits of pets to people’s health and emotional well-being are well documented, but less well known is that the Society for Companion Animal Studies reported that: "Pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, is probably associated with a decrease in cardiovascular dementia risk and may have some causal role in reducing CVD risk."

Just 15 minutes bonding with a pet sets off a chemical chain reaction in the brain, lowering levels of the stress related chemical cortisol and increases production of the chemical necessary for well being,  serotonin. The result is that the heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels lower immediately. Over the long term, pet and human interactions can lower cholesterol, protect against depression and may even help prevent heart disease and stroke. These are the reasons that pets for the elderly can be so beneficial.

Dr Glen Mason, Director of People, Communities and Local Government, Department of Health added that: "Live-in Care is a long established, but relatively unknown, growing alternative to residential and nursing care, which substantially extends the care choice available to the individual. I expect Live-in Care to continue to grow in popularity and to become the high quality first care choice of many people."

Written By:

Daniel James
www.danieljamesbio.com
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