It comes as no surprise that depression is a common issue among older adults. When you factor in things such as social isolation, loss of independence, chronic health conditions, and the emotional impact of life changes, it’s understandable that intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness tend to follow. Traditional treatments, including antidepressants and therapy, can be effective but are not for everyone. Pet therapy offers an alternative approach to improving mental health - and it’s easy to see why so many are taking it up! Also known as animal-assisted therapy, it involves structured interactions between older adults and trained therapy animals, providing emotional support, companionship, and stress relief. We look at how it is being implemented in aged care facilities across Australia.

There are two main types of pet therapy:

1. Animal-assisted therapy is a more formal approach involving activities led by a professional.
2. Companion animals provide ongoing comfort and emotional support in less formal settings.

Pet therapy works on different levels. It can bring feelings of comfort and calmness, reduce stress and encourage social interaction, all of which have positive psychological effects. Petting or holding an animal can also promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Pet therapy can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation that are often experienced by the elderly.

In Australia, pet therapy programs commonly involve therapy dogs, as they are usually best suited due to their calm nature and ability to bond. Having said this, other animals like cats, birds, and even small pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs are sometimes used to provide connection, improving emotional well-being.

Pet therapy has been shown to offer significant benefits for older adults, particularly in alleviating symptoms of depression. Research indicates that interacting with animals can trigger the release of endorphins, the brain’s natural mood boosters, which help reduce stress and create feelings of happiness and relaxation. For elderly individuals facing isolation and loss of independence, these interactions can make a huge difference in their emotional state.

One of the key benefits of pet therapy is its ability to reduce feelings of loneliness. Many older adults in aged care facilities experience limited social interaction, which can lead to emotional withdrawal. Pet therapy provides consistent companionship and emotional support. Therapy animals are nice and affectionate, allowing residents to feel loved, needed and connected.

Pet therapy can also reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm. Physical touch, such as stroking or cuddling an animal, has been shown to lower heart rates and decrease cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.

Several Australian aged care facilities are successfully using pet therapy programs to improve mental health. By providing a sense of routine, purpose, and joy, it offers a holistic approach to improving the psychological health of older adults.

1. Organisational Partnerships and Programs: Many aged care facilities partner with organisations that specialise in animal-assisted therapy. These organisations provide trained therapy animals, often dogs, that visit aged care homes on a regular basis, accompanied by a handler. One such program is Delta Society Australia, which trains therapy animals and their handlers to work in healthcare and aged care settings. These structured visits often take place in communal areas, where residents can interact with the animals in a supervised environment.
2. In-house Pet Therapy Programs: Some aged care facilities have developed their own in-house pet therapy programs, where therapy animals, such as cats, rabbits, or birds, are brought in as permanent or semi-permanent companions for the residents. The animals live within the facility, either in communal spaces or as a designated companion for a specific resident.

As pet therapy continues to show positive outcomes in improving mental health and reducing depression among older adults, there is significant potential for the expansion of these programs in aged care settings across Australia.

Pet therapy may be used in combination with other non-pharmacological therapies, such as music therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and physical therapy, to provide a holistic approach to mental health care in aged populations. Aged care providers can create comprehensive care plans that address both the emotional and physical needs of residents. With growing pressure on the aged care sector to improve the quality of life for residents, pet therapy is a great way to address mental health concerns, particularly depression.

With the ability to reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and isolation, pet therapy provides companionship and emotional support to those in aged care settings. By using pet therapy alongside broader care plans, aged care providers can offer a more supportive environment for their residents. Pet therapy not only helps reduce depression but also brings joy, purpose, and connection to older adults, improving their quality of life.