Pet therapy for the elderly in residential care homes

Abstract

This study examined the presence of depression and life satisfaction in the elderly living in residential care facilities and the effect of pet therapy. A Solomon Four-Group design was used in this study. Two puppies were taken in to the homes for an hour a week for six weeks. Demographic and pretest data were obtained prior to the intervention. Posttest data were obtained once the intervention was complete. After an extensive review of the literature, no studies were found in residential care facilities , as defined by the State of Arizona, examining the relationship of depression, life satisfaction, and pet therapy. The results of this study did not show a statistically significant relationships between pet therapy, depression and life satisfaction in the elderly living in residential care homes. However, the study did indicate a high prevalence of depression in the facilities and the need for further research.