According to a study, there are currently over 30 million pets in Germany. Almost 43 percent of households have at least one of them. In addition to rodents, such as guinea pigs or rabbits, especially cats and dogs are very popular.
Anyone who owns or owns a pet knows the positive effect they can have on us humans. This has now been recognized in many nursing homes and so it is no longer a rarity that dogs, cats or other pets around the clock stay with the residents.
Great successes with dementia patients
Patients with dementia were able to achieve great success with the animal therapy measures. It does not matter which animal is used. Through the unprejudiced and loving behavior of the animals, the residents develop the desire for direct contact. As a result, connections between body and mind can be improved again.
But also with other inhabitants, the animals trigger positive effects. This often improves communication, increases attention and promotes mobility. Meanwhile, even some studies prove the success of animal caretakers.
Visit instead of attitude
If it is not possible for the nursing home to keep the animals for various reasons, there is the possibility to offer animals as a visit. However, a few things have to be considered in advance: It is particularly important whether allergies to the animals persist in any visitor. Only when this is clarified, a visit of the animals can take place safely. In addition, the course of the visit must be clearly structured, so that the home operation of the institution is not disturbed.
Once all these points have been clarified, visiting pets can be a great success for everyone involved.
