Therapists, both physical and occupational, have a well established bag of tricks for help seniors thrive during extended in home at care. More and more animal therapy is becoming standard practice.
Therapists report that seniors having trouble come to life with a pup walks through the door. Therapy dogs are not service dogs. They have not been trained to assist people with disabilities. Instead, they are well trained dogs comfortable in a range of social settings. In some communities, therapy dogs are approved by ad hoc volunteer groups tasked with screening dogs for behavior and personality.
Research has shown proximity to pets can reduce stress levels. Other studies have show that having dogs in the home can reduce panic attacks, and the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, or manic depression.
