Pet Therapy as an Alternative Therapy for Residents 65 Years and Older in Long Term Care Facilities to Decrease Signs and Symptoms of Depression, Blood Pressure, and Heart Rate

Pet therapy as an alternative therapy to treating blood pressure, heart rate, and depression is an area needing further research to determine the effectiveness. Pet therapy can be beneficial to all ages; however this study looked at pet therapy in those 65 years of age and older residing in a long term care facility. There are limited studies related to pet therapy and its effectiveness as an alternative management. Research was conducted to determine if pet therapy is a successful alternative treatment for heart rate, blood pressure, and self-reported depressive symptoms. Kolcaba's comfort theory was used as the theoretical framework upon which the research will be based. Convenience sampling with residents in long term care facilities, 65 years of age and older with self-reported depressive symptoms, from nursing homes in two rural areas within Central Pennsylvania were used for the research.