Pets can give people with dementia feelings of unconditional love. But getting a new pet isn’t a decision to be made lightly. There are lots of things to consider before seeking a pet for someone with dementia.
People with dementia can find caring for an animal to be a source of support and comfort. A person living with dementia can also benefit from the companionship and friendship from keeping a pet, and caring for the pet may also provide a sense of purpose.
What are the benefits?
Animal-assisted interventions can improve self-esteem and confidence in people with dementia. It can also promote quality of life and encourage independence.
If a person with dementia is having trouble communicating with others or having conversations, looking after a pet may help them to stay engaged and involved.
Some people say that having a pet has helped them maintain some empathy for another living being. Even when those suffering with dementia have lost the depth of understanding for other people, they can maintain an honest loving connection with a pet. This is worth keeping.
Visits from an animal can be an energetic experience or an exciting part of a person’s day. Animals can be a wonderful source of love and laughter for people with dementia.
Some things to consider before committing to a pet for a person with dementia
It is important for people with dementia (and those supporting them) to think about what might happen to their pet if they are no longer able to look after it.
Animal welfare should always be considered and managed appropriately and responsibly.
If the person with dementia is moving into a residential care or sheltered housing setting, they may not be able to take their pet with them. It is a good idea to speak to the accommodation or home management about this to make sure.
There may be a family member or friend who is able and willing to take responsibility for the pet.
If a person with dementia has been living with their care giver, then they may take on increased responsibility for the pet if the person moves into residential care (although it is important that they are happy and able to look after the pet). **
Pets and care homes like Personal Senior Care Homes may allow interactions and activities involving carefully selected animals.
The animals and their owners, who are often volunteers, might make regular visits to the home. The animals will often be breeds of animals with a calm or gentle temperament. This is often known as ‘pet therapy’.
If a person with dementia previously owned a pet, these animal interactions could help with reminiscence. Visits from animals may evoke pleasant memories and become an activity for the person with dementia to look forward to.
At Personal Senior Care Homes, we strive to provide the best care for our residents. We carefully consider all levels of care that benefit our residents.
**Source Alzheimer Society
Please feel free to contact me directly for a personally guided tour of our homes Steve Brock 513-505-5018