Whether your friend, relative or loved one is living at home or in a care environment, the impact of living with dementia can be difficult for all involved.
This April is National Pet Month and what better month to discuss the positive impact that pets have on our lives, with an emphasis on those living with a form of Dementia.
We celebrate Pets at our beautiful Golborne Day Centre, and love to have visits from our favourite furry or scaly friends. Many of our clients would struggle to keep pets independently at home and so benefit with time spent in the company of animals.
Did you know that stroking a pet increases levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decreases production of the stress hormone cortisol? As well as feeling less stressed, when we spend time with animals we are more likely to get the warm, fuzzy feelings associated with caring for someone or something else. This improves our confidence and self-worth!
It is always a special day when pets come and visit us at Bridgewater Day Care as a shared activity like this is a real bonding experience for the whole centre, staff included. Clients who may struggle to make conversation find it easy to join the fun, and all of us have a real giggle. Those who struggle with anxiety and depression may see a significant reduction in those feelings during their time spent with the pet, and for some time afterwards. May of our clients have positive memories of their own pets and taking part in some Pet Therapy can help them access this.
We have been lucky enough to have visits from Georgia’s Reptile Ark in the past, and we also get visits from Milo, our M.D. Phil Eckersley’s little pooch, pictured below.
If you would like to know more about how we could help your loved one, or if you know of an isolated person in the community who would enjoy our services please get in touch with Lisa Lehan on 01942 723115 or email us at: info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk
