Improving well-being for older adults through pet therapy| A grant proposal

• Main Author: Gelbaum, Jesi
• Language: EN
• Published: California State University, Long Beach 2015
• Subjects: Social Work
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1589617

<p> The aging process comes with many challenges, including declining physical health, increased isolation and feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and development of dementia. Older adults who own pets often experience many benefits including increased levels of exercise and social engagement with their peers, decreased feelings of loneliness, and a stronger sense of purpose due to being responsible for caring for an animal. Research has shown that pet therapy can also be beneficial for older adults. The purpose of the project was to develop a pet therapy program for older adults, identify potential funding sources, and write a grant to fund the program at Jewish Family and Children's Services of Long Beach and West Orange County. The proposed program is a pet therapy program incorporating animal-assisted interventions into both group and individual therapy for older adults experiencing depression, anxiety, and isolation. Implications for social work practice are discussed. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant were not required for the successful completion of this project.</p>