Bringing Joy and Comfort Through Animal-Assisted Therapy

Anyone who has ever owned a pet or spent time around animals understands the special comfort and connection they bring. Animals have a natural way of lifting spirits, calming anxiety, and bringing joy, smiles, and even laughter. What’s especially remarkable is how quickly a bond can form between humans and animals. They have an innate ability to create a sense of trust, working their quiet “magic” almost instantly.

For individuals living with dementia, animal-assisted therapy can be especially beneficial. Spending time with animals can help reduce stress, improve mood, encourage social interaction, and support both physical and cognitive abilities.

Research findings support the very real emotional and therapeutic value in animal-assisted therapy. Here are some key benefits:

Emotional and Behavioral

• Has the ability to quickly reduce anxiety and restlessness, both of which may lead to disruptive behaviors.
• Offers a unique form of companionship and affection, which may help reduce isolation and depression.
• May, in some cases, decrease reliance on certain medications for some individuals, according to research.

Social and Communication

• Helps stimulate communication and memories, encouraging participation from individuals who may normally be quiet or disengaged.
• Strengthens relationships by fostering meaningful interaction with caregivers, loved ones, and other residents.
• Encourages positive emotions, joy, camaraderie, and companionship, contributing to greater overall well-being.
• Provides the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities such as grooming or assisting with pet care, which can enhance confidence and a sense of purpose.

Physical and Cognitive

• Promotes movement and physical activity through interactive tasks such as walking, playing “fetch”, or caring for the animals.
• Helps maintain fine and gross motor abilities by encouraging active, hands-on participation.
• Enhances concentration, mental alertness, and memory through guided activities and animal interaction.

A wide variety of animals are now being used in animal-assisted therapy:

• Dogs are especially popular due to their easy going, affectionate nature and their ability to encourage interaction, movement, and emotional connection.
• Cats provide calm companionship and soothing sensory comfort through petting and cuddling.
• Horses bring their own special brand of therapy, with a calming impact that can be deeply soothing and therapeutic through petting, grooming, or simply sitting close to them.
• Goats and lambs, through their playful nature, add humor to therapy, bringing smiles and laughter to the interactions.  
• Smaller animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds are easy to hold, soft to touch, and are known to spark interest and conversation.

It is also important to note that animal-assisted therapy can benefit individuals during all stages of dementia, meeting people where they are emotionally, socially, and physically. The presence of animals can gently cut through increasing confusion and anxiety, offering comfort without requiring complex communication skills.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we take every opportunity to connect residents with an assortment of amazing therapy animals. We’ve witnessed firsthand the countless moments of joy and support they bring, not only for residents but for staff and visiting families as well.

We invite you to drop by any of our Anthem communities and ask us about our animal-assisted therapy programs. We’re always happy to share our experiences and insights. And, by the way, don’t be surprised if you meet a therapy animal or two while you’re there.

(Our header photo shows a resident of Emerald Place Memory Care with the ever-delightful Bella, one of the residents’ favorite therapy dogs. Her smile says it all!)