When dementia patients move to a new environment, such as a care facility or a different home, they often face a lot of stress and confusion. This transition can be overwhelming because everything feels unfamiliar. One way to help ease this stress is through visits with pets.
Pets bring comfort and a sense of familiarity. Their presence can calm agitation and reduce feelings of anxiety. For someone with dementia, simply petting a dog or cat can trigger the release of calming chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin, which help soothe nerves and improve mood. This calming effect can make the new surroundings feel less scary and more welcoming.
Besides calming nerves, pets also encourage positive emotions. Interacting with animals can bring joy and pleasure, which might be hard to find during a stressful transition. These positive feelings can help reduce depressive symptoms that sometimes come with dementia.
Pets also provide companionship, which is very important. Moving to a new place can feel lonely, but a friendly animal offers a non-judgmental presence. This companionship can make patients feel less isolated and more connected, even when they struggle to communicate.
Another benefit is that pets can stimulate memory and cognitive function. Engaging with animals—feeding them, playing, or simply watching them—can spark memories and encourage mental activity. This stimulation supports daily functioning and helps maintain a sense of normalcy.
In a new environment, where routines are disrupted, pets can offer a comforting routine of their own. Caring for or spending time with an animal can give patients something familiar to focus on, helping to ground them amid change.
Overall, pet visits in new environments can be a gentle, natural way to ease the stress dementia patients experience. The emotional comfort, calming effects, companionship, and mental stimulation pets provide all work together to support a smoother transition.
