A Message from Toni Lynn Davis, Executive Director

Pets Make Elders Healthier and Happier

By Toni Lynn Davis, Executive Director Green Hill Inc.

Green Hill is thrilled to announce the arrival of our newest resident, Poppy, a five month old Chihuahua who joins our growing pet family. Pets have been included in Green Hill programming since 1992 after finding that having animals at Green Hill resulted in happier residents. The relationship between our pets and elders eases loneliness and feelings of isolation, and helps to make Green Hill more like home.

As noted by the American Animal Hospital Association, a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in May 1999, showed that independently living seniors that have pets tend to have better physical health and mental wellbeing than those that don’t. The study also showed that pets help seniors cope better with stressful situations. A 1997 study concluded that blood pressure rates were lower in seniors with pets.

If pets can support the good health of seniors living independently we believe pets also benefit our residents at Green Hill. Thus, living throughout the facility is a menagerie of birds and fish, cats, two cute furry rabbits Peter and Dumpling, and our puppy Poppy who visits residents on every floor, and in each Green House Home.

The Journal of American Geriatrics Society study also showed that people with pets were better able to remain emotionally stable during crises than those without. Pets can also work as a buffer against social and emotional isolation, which is especially effective for elders with light to moderate dementia, and the early to mid stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Feeding, and petting pets is soothing for the elders – touching and being touched is so important to lowering stress and blood pressure, and reduces the feelings of depression. Pets, especially dogs, make seniors feel safe, and create a sense of family.

According to a study in the International Journal of Aging and Human Development, many elderly Americans think having a pet is more important than moving to a convenient place to live where pets aren’t allowed. At Green Hill we encourage elders who come to live with us to bring their pets with them. Patients who are with us for rehabilitation services, or shorter stays, may bring their pets to visit with proof of inoculation.

Choosing the right pet for elders is very important. Some people have allergies to cats or long haired animals that must be considered before introducing an animal into an elder community. If an elder is mobile and can care for a dog or cat, choose one with short hair or a breed that is a hypoallergenic. Look for a breed that is friendly, not high strung, doesn’t jump up on people, and doesn’t bark too much. Behavior training for a dog is helpful for living with elders. Rabbits are friendly and responsive animals, soothing to the touch, and other caged living animals are fun to watch and care for. Check with a veterinarian for advice on choosing the best pet for your elder.

The studies show that elders who have pets in their lives are happier and healthier. At Green Hill our pets enhance the quality of our elder’s lives, and that’s our goal every day with all that we do.

Activities Asst Samantha Uzzell Florence Rosenber Kringle

Activities Supervisor Karen Gyetvay Shirlie Decostanza Kringle

Barbara Morris and Jean Ellowitch with Poppy

Earl Walker Poppy

Elsie Zenneck

Esther Knee Leist Dumpling

Jopsephine Cela shares a smile with Poppy

Julien Kaplan Poppy

Liz stein Poppy

Muriel Rosenberg and Poppy

Onetta Wherry and Family

Robert Sohn Zee Dumpling

See Dumpling Blanche Diamontavich

Shirlie Deconstanza and Poppy

Shirlie Decostanza Peekaboo

Vincent Carlesimo Poppy

Yetta and Ruth visit with Poppy

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