www.ohca.com FALL/WINTER 2022 The Oregon Caregiver 15 SECTION release chemicals like endorphins such as oxytocin, prolactin, phenylacetic acid, and dopamine, which can decrease pain and have a calming effect on the body. These natural hormones also reduce restlessness, disorientation, and aggressive behavior, and they can improve short-term memory, communication skills, and even eating habits. While long term care residents who own their pets can have a significant quality of life, the responsibility of caring for these pets often fall upon the resident, family members, community staff, or other outside resources. Many long term care communities require that a resident be able to independently care for their pets. While some residents aren’t able to take the responsibility of owning a pet, there are many innovative ways they can still reap the benefits from pet therapy and the bond between human and animal. Long term care facilities often employ third-party animal therapy visits. However, there may also be times when therapy animal visits are impractical, due to geographic distance or health issues that prevent in-person meetings. In these situations, pet therapy companies offer the healing power of the human-to-animal bond through virtual therapy animal visits. In recent years, some senior living facilities have added an innovative twist to the pet therapy concept: robotic pets. These animatronic animals are lifelike, imitating dogs, cats, and other pets that have brought comfort and meaningful connections to residents. As providers in long term care, we have an opportunity to enhance the lives of our seniors by offering animal therapy programs that have the potential to enhance not only the lives of seniors, but also the health and wellbeing of our staff and visitors. QUALITY
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