Skip to main content

Health Benefits of Owning a Pet

Pets not only can improve the lives of seniors, but they also have a positive impact on their health too. People of all ages benefit from having a pet, but this is especially true for seniors. Walking a dog not only provides an opportunity for exercise, but also the chance to socialize thanks to increased interactions with neighbors.

Studies show that heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels immediately drop after just 15 minutes of bonding with an animal. Long term, pet and human interactions can lower cholesterol levels, fight depression and even help protect against heart disease and stroke. "If you have a dog around, your blood pressure is lower," says Dr. Marty Becker, DVM, veterinary consultant for Good Morning America. "A lot of it goes back to reducing stress."

HM Pets Post.png

Not only can your pet help improve your health, but they can help recovery time from surgery. One study from Loyola University found that people who use pet therapy while recovering from surgery can lead to less pain medication than those who do not.

Pets can be life-changing and have a positive impact on one’s quality of life. "Animals provide unconditional love and emotional support in a way that is unparalleled," says Judith Eisenberg, a Pet-Assisted Therapy Coordinator. "What an animal can give and teach is a powerful source of healing and personal connection."

Caring for a pet can bring structure and routine to daily life. Having a pet is a good way to stay involved in your community and make new friends. If you are considering a move to an assisted living community and wish to bring a pet to help enhance your loved ones’ quality of life, it is important to research and find a pet-friendly community that meets your needs.

—-

Heritage Ministries, the parent company of Rolling Fields, was founded as the Orphanage and Homes of the Free Methodist Church in 1886 and has grown from its original campus in Gerry, NY, to six locations in New York with additional affiliations in the states of Washington, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. As a not-for-profit provider of senior care and housing, Heritage is a leader in the industry, employing approximately 1,500 team members, and serving over 2,500 individuals annually. With locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Washington, Heritage and its affiliates provide rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, independent retirement housing, and assisted living. The Homestead Stables provides intergenerational equestrian opportunities as well as boarding, training, and lessons. In addition, childcare is provided at two campuses, allowing for intergenerational programs. For more information on Heritage Ministries, please visit www.heritage1886.org.



from Blog - Rolling Fields Elder Care Community https://ift.tt/2QbnntS
via IFTTT
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dads and Pops: Your Good Health Matters to Us 

Did you know  June is  Men’s Health Month  and Father’s Day anchors Men’s Health Week ?   Celebrate dad on Father’s Day and thank him for all he  has  done, but  also  make sure to seize an opportunity sometime this month to have a conversation with him about his health. This awareness campaign has the critical purpose of informing men   that avoiding preventive healthcare puts them at real and serious risk of  contracting a disease or  acquiring  a chronic condition.   Studies consistently  show the numbers go against men , particularly as they advance into their senior years.   Even with dramatic advances in diagnosis and treatment over the past 100 years, men’s life expectancy still lags significantly behind women. According to  Harvard Health ,  the gap is widening. In 1900, the life expectancy for women was 48.3 years vs. 46.3 for men. In 2017, it was 81.1 years for women vs. 76.1 for men. Harvard...
Post a Comment
Read more

Memorize These Six Signs of a Scam

An 88-year-old woman is one of the latest victims of the sweepstakes scam. She lost $160,000 in order to get the millions the scammer claimed she’d won through the Publishers Clearing House. She’s not alone. This scam has been around for years and has affected tens of thousands. Be aware of the six signs of a scam to avoid losing money. The Caller Insists You Not Tell Anyone In a scam, the caller will insist that you cannot tell anyone. This is more likely to happen with the grandparent scam. The caller will say that the grandchild’s parents cannot know. Secrecy is important to the “grandchild.” If your parents are told not to tell anyone, it’s very likely a scam. Your parents should immediately report the scam to local authorities or the FTC at 1-877-382-4357. The Contact Arrives Out of the Blue A scam is going to start with a random call, email, or unsolicited mailer. Your parents didn’t enter a contest. It could be a scammer posing as a police officer, IRS representative, or ...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Evaluate a Memory Care Program for a Loved One

When a senior is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, or a similar form of dementia, families often begin to explore senior care options. Family members may need support with their elder’s personal care or help with keeping a senior safe while they are at work. Searching for short-term solutions may result in hiring a home care aide or enrolling in an adult day program. As the older adult’s disease advances, the search for assistance may shift to assisted living or memory care communities. While these are two distinct types of care, they are frequently located on the same campus. A memory care program is often a dedicated area of an assisted living community. It is designed to meet the unique needs of adults with memory impairment. If your family is beginning to visit memory care communities for a loved one, we have a few tips for conducting an objective evaluation of each option. 6 Tips for Evaluating a Memory Care Community 1. What is the community’s philosophy of care? Dementi...
Post a Comment
Read more