Pet therapy in assisted living brings comfort, connection, and joy to seniors. It helps reduce stress, ease loneliness, and create uplifting moments through gentle interactions with animals. These furry companions offer unconditional love that can brighten even the quietest days.
The American Psychiatric Association reports that about 86% of pet owners say their pets have a positive impact on their mental health. This strong bond between people and animals demonstrates the power of simple companionship.
At TerraBella Hillsborough, located in Hillsborough, NC, pet therapy builds on that same connection to nurture emotional wellness and engagement. A soft nuzzle or wagging tail can lift spirits and bring a sense of calm that lasts long after each visit.
What Is Pet Therapy and How Is It Used in Assisted Living?
Pet therapy is a structured program that brings trained animals into senior care settings to promote comfort and happiness. It helps your loved one relax, feel connected, and enjoy meaningful interactions. Unlike regular pets, therapy animals are specially trained and certified to engage safely with older adults.
Each visit is led by professional handlers who adjust activities to match the residents’ comfort and needs. These sessions stimulate sensory engagement through:
- Gentle touch
- Soothing sounds
- Calming movement
Together, these experiences help residents feel peaceful, focused, and emotionally balanced. Pet therapy creates moments of comfort and connection that add warmth and joy to everyday life.
How Does Pet Therapy Help Seniors Emotionally and Physically?
Pet therapy offers calm, comfort, and companionship that eases stress and lifts mood. Gentle activities such as petting or brushing encourage movement and promote relaxation. These interactions support emotional and physical well-being through:
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved mobility
- Brighter mood and energy
Encouraging Social Bonds and Connection
Animals have a special way of bringing people together. Group visits with therapy animals spark laughter, conversations, and shared moments of joy. These activities create a lively and welcoming atmosphere that helps residents feel included and connected.
Pet therapy encourages:
- Meaningful friendships
- More group participation
- A stronger sense of community
As residents engage and share these moments, they grow closer and more confident. The result is a warmer, more vibrant environment that truly feels like home.
How Pet Therapy Supports Residents with Memory Care Enrichment
For seniors living with memory challenges, pet therapy provides a sense of comfort and stability. Gentle interactions with animals can create calm moments that help improve focus and uplift mood. These interactions support emotional and cognitive well-being by:
- Triggering familiar memories
- Reducing agitation or confusion
- Promoting relaxation
These moments of connection can make daily routines feel more reassuring and positive. As part of emotional wellness NC programs, pet therapy offers a simple yet powerful way to support memory, reduce stress, and encourage peace of mind.
Ensuring Safety and Comfort During Sessions
At TerraBella Hillsborough, your loved one’s safety and comfort come first in every animal-assisted care session. Each visit is thoughtfully planned to create calm and positive moments with therapy animals. Some safety measures that help ensure a secure and enjoyable experience include:
- Careful animal selection and health screening
- Professional training for handlers
- Clean, allergy-conscious environments
- Ongoing staff supervision
These steps help your loved one relax and engage with confidence. You can feel at ease knowing that each session is designed with care and attention to their well-being.
Recognizing When Pet Therapy Is Especially Helpful
Pet therapy can be especially meaningful during times of transition or emotional change. It provides comfort and reassurance when your loved one needs support.
Here are some moments when pet therapy can make the biggest difference:
- Adjusting to assisted living
- Recovering after illness or surgery
- Living with memory challenges
- Coping with grief or isolation
By recognizing when these moments arise, you can help your loved one receive the comfort they need. Pet therapy provides gentle emotional care that helps them feel calm, connected, and more at ease.
How Can Families Introduce Pet Therapy to a Loved One?
When introducing pet therapy, the goal is to make your loved one feel at ease and interested. Start by creating a calm environment and keeping the first sessions simple. Some helpful steps to guide the process include:
- Explaining what visits involve
- Starting with brief introductions
- Encouraging gentle interaction
- Offering positive reassurance
These small steps can make the experience enjoyable and stress-free. As your loved one becomes more comfortable, they’ll begin to look forward to each visit and the warmth it brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Pet Therapy Different From Owning a Pet?
Therapy animals are trained to provide comfort in structured, supervised settings. This ensures safety and consistency during every visit.
Unlike personal pets, they focus entirely on engaging and supporting residents. Your loved one can enjoy the benefits without any additional responsibilities.
What Types of Animals Are Used in Pet Therapy?
Dogs, cats, and rabbits are the most common therapy animals. Each animal is selected based on its calm temperament and gentle nature.
This ensures safe and positive interactions. Residents often enjoy the unique personalities that each animal brings.
Is Pet Therapy Suitable for Residents With Allergies or Limited Mobility?
Some communities use hypoallergenic animals to reduce allergy concerns. Visits can also be adapted for seated or bedside participation. This ensures that your loved one can enjoy the benefits safely and comfortably.
Can Residents Request Specific Animals?
Yes, residents can let staff know their preferences for certain types of animals. This helps tailor visits for their comfort and enjoyment. Personal choice enhances engagement and fosters connection during each session.
Give Your Loved One the Gift of Pet Therapy at TerraBella Hillsborough
Pet therapy offers comfort, joy, and connection for your loved one. Combined with other wellness activities, it promotes relaxation and emotional balance. Incorporate pet therapy into their routine to help create moments of happiness every day.
At TerraBella Hillsborough, pet therapy and exclusive lifestyle programs create a warm and vibrant environment that feels like home. Located just minutes from the scenic Eno River, our community offers easy access to nature and local attractions while providing award-winning Assisted Living and SHINE® Memory Care.
Led by Executive Director Jennifer Palmisano, our compassionate team helps residents live with comfort, connection, and confidence. Get in touch for care that goes beyond expectations.
