How to Visit the Elderly With a Dog

Are you trying to think of a way to brighten the day and bring cheer to residents of an assisted living, rehabilitation center or nursing home? How about bringing your dog? Studies have shown that pets lower blood pressure and tension—as well as relieve loneliness and depression. Your dog might also help stir memories of a beloved family pet for some of the residents. Humane educators often bring “therapy dogs” to visit seniors, and very often, regular citizens are welcome to as well. Here are some ways to go about taking your pooch and spreading some sunshine to those who may need it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Permission from the facility

1. 

   Go from room to room and let the residents pet your dog. You and your dog might be the only visitors some of the folks may have aside from a doctor or nurse.

2. Invite residents who are able, to take a walk around the property with you and your dog. If they are willing and can handle it, invite them to hold the leash.

3. 

   Get a small group of people together who have dogs that can demonstrate obedience, agility and tricks, and arrange either an indoor or outdoor demonstration for the residents. Seniors often enjoy these performances and are fond of sharing stories of pets they used to have.

4. Bring the dogs around to visit individual residents who can’t leave their rooms and give them their own personal demonstrations.

5. Ask a resident who knits or crochets to make a sweater for your dog. There are a variety of patterns available for knitting and crocheting dog sweaters. Once the sweater is finished they can have the satisfaction of putting it on the dog or watching you put it on. You might also ask a few people you know to bring their dogs so that residents can make them sweaters too. Then you can have a doggie fashion parade to show off everyone's creations.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the facility by yourself before arranging a visit with your dog to meet some of the residents and get a feel if your dog will be well-received.
• Many facilities only allow registered therapy dogs. Therapy Dogs Inc. is an organization that provides registration, insurance and other services to therapy dog owners (see Resources below).
• Make sure your dog is current on shots before planning any visits.
• Bring a dog that is friendly and even-tempered and not hyperactive or jumpy.
• Before approaching residents, always make sure they are willing to interact with your dog.

Resources

• Therapy Dogs Inc.

[ChrissLJ]

on 1/23/2009 My 1 1/2 year old (dog) LOVES visiting nursing homes. We actually go with a dog group that goes and performs dance and trick routines for residents. She's quite small and one gentleman recently asked to hold her and started crying. It reminded him of his beloved dog he had as a child. His caretaker said it was the most alert he had been in months. The dogs make a BIG difference.

[tejasa]

on 12/24/2008 Nice article; the tips on how to interact were really useful.

[LucyRN]

on 11/7/2008 I work in a nursing home and i know how important pets are to the residents, great ideals!

[JMKnudson]

on 8/21/2008 This is an awesome idea. Thank you.