This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Caregiver Corner: Pet Therapy in Chicago

Who wouldn't cheer up petting a friendly goldendoodle? Pet therapy can relieve pain and stress the elderly may be experiencing.

At least once a week Walter (a 5-year-old goldendoodle) and I take a short break from work at Home Instead in Skokie to visit one of a few local nursing homes in the Chicago area. I go room-to-room with Walter, a certified pet therapy dog, who is wonderful at cozying up next to each of the residents. 

To be a Therapy Dog, a pooch must demonstrate the willingness to interact in a gentle and friendly manner with all kinds of individuals, including seniors & frail elderly, disabled individuals, and children. The dog must be attentive, and must pass the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test with its handler.

Pet Therapy is a nice way to brighten the day of a hospital patient or nursing home resident. It brings a smile to the face of people who are in experiencing pain, depression, and anxiety, and are generally very unhappy. Pet Therapy can also release endorphins and lower blood pressure.

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Walter is certified by Therapy Dogs International.  Caregivers can bring a smile to their loved one by finding a way to have them interact with a friendly pet. For more information on pet therapy and local resources visit: http://www.caninetherapycorps.org .

Thanks for reading!

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Michael Melinger

mmelinger@homeinstead.com

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?