10 Ways That Dogs Help Seniors with Dementia

There are many ways that dogs help seniors with dementia at Applewood Our House.

From providing companionship to encouraging physical activity, dogs offer numerous benefits that enhance the well-being of those living with dementia.

10 Ways That Dogs Help Seniors with Dementia

Here are ten ways to leverage dogs’ senses and behaviors to enhance the lives of seniors:

1. Companionship – Dogs provide loyal companionship, which can help alleviate loneliness for seniors, especially those who live alone or in assisted living and memory care facilities.

2. Physical Activity – Walking or playing with a dog encourages seniors to engage in regular physical activity, promoting cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and joint flexibility.

3. Sensory Stimulation – Interacting with a dog stimulates the senses, including touch (petting), sight (watching the dog’s movements), and hearing (listening to the dog’s sounds), which can be therapeutic for seniors, particularly those with sensory impairments.

4. Emotional Support – Dogs have a natural ability to sense and respond to human emotions, providing comfort and reducing stress and anxiety for seniors, especially during times of distress or sadness.

5. Routine and Structure – Taking care of a dog helps seniors stick to a daily routine because they need to feed, walk, and groom their dog every day.

6. Social Interaction – Dogs can serve as social catalysts, facilitating interactions and conversations among seniors and others in the community, such as fellow dog owners at a park or neighbors during walks.

7. Mindfulness and Mind-Body Connection – Interacting with a dog encourages mindfulness and presence in the moment, fostering a sense of connection with the natural world and promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

8. Cognitive Stimulation – Engaging in training exercises, interactive play, and problem-solving activities with a dog can provide cognitive stimulation for seniors, helping to maintain mental acuity and cognitive function.

9. Reducing Agitation and Behavioral Issues – Dogs can sense when seniors are upset and react in a way that makes them feel better. This helps reduce stress and makes the seniors feel more at ease.

10. Promoting Better Sleep – Having a dog can help seniors with dementia sleep better. Seniors with dementia might sleep more soundly when a dog is nearby because the dog makes them feel safe and calm.