Pet Therapy

The Therapeutic Power Of Pets
At Three Rivers, our residents delight in the companionship and numerous health benefits that come from our in-house bird aviary and budding relationship with a local animal shelter.

The best medicine for some medical or mental health issues isn’t just medicine at all… it’s pet therapy (also known as animal-assisted therapy) in the form of a wet nose or a warm snuggle to brighten a resident’s day.

 

Studies show that simply the nature of some animals make them instinctive healers for humans, providing unconditional love, emotional presence, and true companionship.

 

We’ve also seen first-hand the positive impact the friendship with a furry friend can have on our residents. Pet therapy has been known to boost well-being and help improve health issues, including high blood pressure and anxiety.

The benefits of pet therapy for seniors are abundant and may include:

  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Releasing endorphins that have a calming effect
  • Reducing anxiety and loneliness
  • Diminishing overall physical pain
  • Stimulating memory
  • Increasing socialization and sense of community

  • Improving verbal communication
  • Motivating physical activity
  • Boosting self-esteem
  • Reducing boredom and loneliness
  • Improving assisted or independent movement

  • "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."

    -Anatole France