Local dementia Care Homes incorporate pets to help residents
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — ComfortCare Homes in Wichita makes room for a few extra residents in their homes.
“We have animals in every one of our homes, dogs and cats, and they really help just create a sense of calm in the home and just make it feel more like a home,” Kasey Breidenthal with ComfortCare Homes said. “A lot of our residents either grew up with the animals or some of these animals are their animals, and it helps them have a sense of peace and belonging.”
She says the animals are helpful to the residents.
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“A lot of studies out there show that petting animals helps reduce anxiety and depression, which can also be a big contributor to behaviors here with dementia as well,” Breidenthal said. “So we truly feel that having animals in the homes helps to reduce that anxiety because animals are safe. They give unconditional love, and we love having them around.”
Some of the animals come with their resident, and others are rescued.
“Her loved one lives here in the home, and she was able to bring her, which really helps give her peace of mind when moving in and reduce that anxiety there,” Breidenthal said. “And then all the rest of our animals have all been rescued – Beauties & Beasts is where we get most of our animals from.”
The residents form bonds with the animals.
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“I love the animals,” resident Darlene Clark said. “Franny and I are friends. It’s nice to have them around to pet and snuggle with.”
It also reminds her of home.
“I’ve grown up from everything from a farm setting to a simple household with one or two pets,” Clark said.
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