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Pet Therapy
Desert Cottages uses Pet Therapy to ensure that the social needs of our residents are met, specifically addressing loneliness, boredom, and helplessness, or the "three plagues of long-term care."
Even though our residents interact with the same group of people day in and day out, those people may remain strangers due to the resident’s dementia. Pets make great companions, who give love and affection freely to all residents, including those residents who are withdrawn or isolated.
One of the reasons that pets have been incorporated into the Desert Cottages care plan is that they help to alleviate resident restlessness and boredom. Spontaneous opportunities for interaction with pets can keep residents entertained during "free times."
At Desert Cottages, we believe that having a quality life includes the ability to make choices and to have responsibilities that are meaningful and rewarding.
We are proud to offer our services to participants of the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) program.
The Benefits of Pet Therapy
At Desert Cottages, we involve residents in the responsibility of the daily feeding and care of all of our community pets. Walking the dogs, feeding the cats, changing the litter boxes, pet grooming, are all resident responsibilities with assistance from all of our associates. At Desert Cottages, we provide “community” pets that are available for everyone’s interaction and enjoyment. We also encourage residents, if possible, to bring in their own pets from their home to live at Desert Cottages with them.
Emotional Well-Being
Interacting with animals can lift spirits and reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. Pets provide unconditional love and companionship, offering emotional support to seniors, especially those who may be living far from family or friends.
Physical Health
Engaging with pets can have physical health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and increasing overall activity levels. Walking a dog or playing with a cat can encourage seniors to stay active and maintain mobility.
Social Connection
Pets can serve as social catalysts, sparking conversations and interactions among seniors and caregivers. Sharing stories and experiences about pets can help foster a sense of community and connection among residents.
Cognitive Stimulation
Pet therapy can stimulate cognitive function and memory recall in seniors. Engaging with animals, whether through grooming, training, or simply observing their behavior, can help seniors stay mentally sharp and engaged.
Sense of Purpose
Caring for a pet can provide seniors with a sense of purpose and responsibility. Having a daily routine that includes feeding, grooming, and interacting with a pet can instill a sense of accomplishment and meaning in their lives.
We are here to help.
Call (760) 342-7767 or contact us to learn more about our assisted living and residential care services.