Residential pets

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[edit] Pets for senior citizens

[edit] Health benefits

Many people have found that having a residential pet creates a happier home, but older people in particular seem to have discovered the joys of having a pet in the house. Many senior citizens can be heard telling those younger that "Pets keep us young.” Pets have the ability to stimulate the elderly, giving them someone to take care of, someone to exercise with, and someone to help them heal from a physically or psychologically troubled past[1]. Having a pet may help older people achieve health goals, such as lowered blood pressure, or mental goals, such as decreased stress.[2] There appears to be strong evidence that having a pet can help someone lead a longer, healthier life. In a study of 92 people hospitalized for coronary ailments, within a year, 11 of the 29 without pets had passed away, but only 3 of the 52 who had pets[3].

[edit] Pets in long-term care institutions

The healthier lives pet owners lead extend to those residing in a long-term care facility, such as a hospice or nursing home. When getting a residential pet for a nursing home, one must take into consideration the size of the pet, the amount of care that the breed needs, and the population and size of the care institution[4]. Once a pet has been decided on, it goes through a screening process and, if it is a dog, additional training programs to become a therapy dog[5]. Additionally, different pets require varying amouns of attention and care. Compared to dogs, cats are more low-maintenance[6]. dogs, on the other hand, tend to be more trainable and people-friendly. The residents at an institution may all agree that getting a pet is a good idea, but health problems like allergies, that the other elderly people and staff may have, must be considered. Unfortunately, pet allergies eliminate many otherwise willing pet owners.

[edit] Works Cited

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