Home Care Providers Benefit From Pet Therapy

Elderly care can be a demanding responsibility for family members who look after the care and well-being of aging loved ones

. Adapting to the changing and increasing medical and personal elderly care needs of parents, grandparents and older siblings can sometimes become overwhelming and family caregivers may find they need help maintaining their own health and well-being. Family caregivers who feel overwhelmed should find ways to take breaks and take care of their own personal needs.

Pet Therapy for Family Caregivers

Caregiver stress is a very real concern for the 29% of Americans who reported in the 2011 Census that they spend time caring for another adult. When stress sets in, snuggling a puppy or listening to the purr of a kitten gives people a positive boost. Pet therapy or Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a relatively new field that has grown in popularity among children and adults. Under direction of health services and education professionals, AAT can promote physical movement, emotional well-being, cognitive awareness and also social improvement for people with disabilities, according to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

You don't have to work with a special aide dog or cat to reap the benefits. Pets can help family home care providers by giving them a diversion and offering a feeling of companionship. Pets provide a sense of love, devotion and loyalty that helps boost morale.

Take a Break from Elderly Care Responsibilities

Taking a few minutes each day to brush a dog or sit and pet a cat can provide family caregivers a much needed break from their home care responsibilities. Taking a walk or jog with a dog gets people outside and focused on something other than their caregiving duties. Exercise and play helps improve mood and perspective.

While pets require attention, care, and love too, if you can make the time and have the room and resources, pets can provide a wealth of love and positive therapy for their owners.

Those unable to keep a pet can still benefit from pet therapy by visiting with a dog or cat at a local animal shelter or by contacting a local pet therapy program to set up regular visits.

Professional Home Care Services Can Help

When people feel that their home care responsibilities have increased beyond their ability to manage, it is important to reach out for support. Home care services like ComForcare are available to offer respite services, part-time elderly care, or full-time home care services to ensure family caregivers and those they care for get the support they need to live happy, healthy lives.

by: Kara Knapp

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