How pets bring comfort and joy for people with dementia
“Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions, they pass no criticisms”. -George Elliot
Pets cans be a wonderful support bringing light, love and laughter into the lives of people living with dementia. This article shares benefits and helpful strategies to support people with dementia and their pets.
Benefits of pets for a person with dementia
There have been a number of proven benefits that owning or visiting with a pet can have for people with dementia:
They provide those with dementia something to do and to look forward to.
The presence of pets has been known to help with memory, especially with those who have owned pets previously.
Spending time with pets has been found to combat loneliness, stress, anxiety and depression.
Animals make wonderful topics of conversation. (There’s always something to talk about in the presence of an animal!)
Animal visits have been found to encourage bursts of energy and encourage physical activity or exercise.
Pets can help people living with dementia to stay calm and feel relaxed. In particular, the physical act of stroking an animal can bring about feelings of wellbeing and a sense of comfort.
Practical strategies to support both pets and a person with dementia
The following eight tips may assist you to help ensure the best possible outcomes and benefits for both the animal/pet and the person with dementia:
Don’t act immediately to give away a pet following a diagnosis of dementia. Before deciding what would be the best course of action to ensure the wellbeing of both the pet and person with dementia consider the following the stage of dementia, the type of pet/s, as well as the amount of work and effort required to care for the pet.
If you decide in the short/medium term to retain ownership of the pet (because you can ensure it will be well cared for), can you take practical steps to make life easier for the person with dementia and any support people? It may be worthwhile installing a pet-door, having an automatic feeder, organising a dog walker and so on.
If the person with dementia does not want to take care of a pet or is unable to find out if a family member or friend is willing to accept responsibility. If the pet can remain nearby and come for visits, it can be extremely beneficial in aiding anxiety and depression.
Sometimes having photographs of their pets (over the years, including when they were younger) in an album can bring back happy memories. (Do check how they receive this – some may find it comforting, some may be distressed.)
If you are taking a pet or animal for a visit to a person with dementia, make sure that you choose an appropriate time of day when they are most likely to be receptive.
Make sure your pet is calm, well fed and toileted before visiting. Take “doggy-bags” with you to dispose of any waste (they aren’t often available at aged care facilities). Keep your pet on a lead for the safety
If a dog or cat is no longer an option, sometimes a bird or fish can be wonderful companions. If your family or friend is residing in an aged care facility and loves birds it may be possible if there is a “resident bird” to have it “visit” in their room from time to time. Bird cages can often be “wheeled in” or out of rooms.
For people with later stages of dementia, sometimes a pet therapy doll can be really well received and be of great comfort. These can be purchased at places such as The Dementia Shop https://dementiashop.com.au/
If the person with dementia is living at an aged care facility, it can be worth asking whether the facility has any therapy animals that visit and making sure your family/friend is on the “visit list”. Sometimes facilities also have access to specialist therapy dolls which may be able to be accessed.
Having a pet or the company of animals can provide great comfort and bring joy into the lives of people living with dementia. I hope that you found these tips to be useful. I welcome you to write to me if you have any questions or feedback. You can reach me at info@rememberwhenart.com
About Kirstie Page
Kirstie Page is an Australian mixed media artist, classically trained musician and former dementia trainer with experience working on the front line in aged care. Kirstie creates beautifully uplifting artworks that incorporate her understanding of science and dementia to provide comfort and joy to people, including those living with dementia.
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