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. Humane educators often bring “therapy dogs” to visit Seniors, and very often, regular citizens are welcome to as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

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 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 share 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 demonstration.
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 their creations.

Tips & Warnings

• Go to the facility in person before arranging a visit with your dog.
• 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).
• Before approaching residents, always make sure they are willing to interact with your dog.
• Bring a dog that is even-tempered, not jumpy and people friendly.