Nala, The Orchards therapy cat
The Orchard Nursing Home in St Albans have recently started to invite in Nala, our dementia cat, who is owned by one of our lovely team.
Pets can be a great source of comfort for us all and make a huge difference as a source of companionship as residents can cuddle and stroke them and help feed and groom them. All of these small activities can reduce swelling, increase blood circulation and improve strength, and help to prevent feelings of isolation.
The calming nature of a pet has seen to increase levels of Oxytocin the stress-reducing hormone, also decreasing the production of cortisol, a producer of stress.
These positive health effects don’t stop at stress-relief, it is also believed that pet therapy can have a drastic effect on blood pressure. Not just bringing a calming effect but reducing the mental-stress some elders feel when they’re alone.
Nala is still a kitten so has lots of growing and is continuing her therapy training, but she has already had a great impact on our residents.
