Interacting with animals can have a range of therapeutic benefits for people of all ages, including emotional, cognitive, physical, mental, and social benefits. Pet therapy sessions are among the most popular activities at many assisted living and memory care residential communities, including Park Senior Villas.
The majority of pet-related activities in this setting involve therapy dogs that have been trained specifically for this purpose. We have therapy dogs visit our four communities on a frequent basis, and residents always look forward to these sessions.
We also have some less common two- and four-legged visitors, and these events generate a lot of excitement among residents and staff alike. We’ve had various organizations bring some remarkable creatures into our communities, including a parrot and an alpaca!
A favorite in both of our Tucson communities is the sessions we coordinate with local equine groups, such as the miniature horse visits through D-S Rescue.
Horse Therapy for Adults Can Benefit Seniors
Horse therapy, also called equine therapy and equine-assisted therapy, has been shown to provide benefits to all age groups, including seniors. The benefits of equine therapy for adults include:
- Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression
- Increased social interactions
- Positive shifts in mood
- Improvements in motor skills, strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, and gait
- Potential decrease in the progression of cognitive decline
- Increased sense of purpose and self-worth
While equine therapy benefits vary depending on the type of therapy and setting, seniors can experience many of the benefits of horse therapy even in short visits such as those we provide at Park Senior Villas.
The benefits of equine-assisted therapy have also been demonstrated in seniors living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, as described in this Horse & Rider article.
Although many benefits of equine therapy have been observed in older adults who spend time engaging with horses outside at a stable, we’ve also seen the positive effects that miniature horse visits have had on residents in our communities. It’s incredible to see how these gentle little animals bring such joy to those who participate!
How Does Horse Therapy Work?
There are several types of equine therapy that involve different interactions with horses or ponies, such as feeding, grooming, riding, leading, and simply being present with and petting the animal.
Generally, these interactions are supervised by a mental or physical health professional and someone who’s familiar with the horses. Older, calmer horses are typically used for therapy sessions, unless a more active form of therapy is involved, such as vaulting.
Animal researchers have found that horses are naturally attuned and responsive to human emotions and can mirror them.
Through emotional connections and in other ways, equine therapy provides results similar to therapy with other animals. Sometimes interacting with another living creature, without the risk of being judged for perceived shortcomings, is enough to bring joy.
When the miniature horses visit us at Park Senior Villas, even residents who normally tend to be more withdrawn want to pet and spend time with them. The visits encourage residents to socialize with one another as well.
Other Therapeutic Programs at Park Senior Villas
Pet therapy is one of several engaging therapeutic programs we offer in each of our communities.
Music therapy, which includes weekly music sessions and drumming activities, is also popular and highly effective. Residents, family members, and our staff enjoy participating in karaoke, and live music is featured at nearly all our special events.
Residents can take advantage of hydrotherapy treatments in our walk-in baths as well. The treatments are a safe and soothing way to alleviate joint pain, fatigue, and muscle aches.
Contact us to learn more about these and other engaging programs available at Park Senior Villas. We’ll gladly set up a time for you to visit any of our four communities in Goodyear, Chandler, and Tucson.
