The Power of Pets

Pets play a hugely important role in our lives, supporting our physical and mental well being as well as simply being enormous fun. Our homecare services allow those who need more support, either due to illness or old age - to stay with their pets.

We are renowned as a nation of animal lovers. It’s estimated that 40% of British households own a pet - that’s an incredible 57 million animals sharing our lives. But why do so many of us choose to have them? Quite simply, it makes us feel good! We get pleasure and fulfilment from nurturing and loving them (even when they do unmentionable things on our carpets) and in return, they are unconditionally adoring, faithful companions.

Unfortunately, as people age or get ill it can become harder for them to care for their pets properly. Some struggle to cope at home and others are often forced to give up their precious companions entirely when they move into care facilities. This can be devastating to a person’s wellbeing and can have a huge impact on their quality of life. Sadly, these are situations faced by too many people in society but there is something we can do to make it better. At Bluebird Care Wandsworth we have the perfect solution – our excellent homecare! Our care teams are dedicated to supporting our customers to look after their pets and continue living with the animals that bring them so much joy and companionship, in their own homes, taking away the stress of worrying about who will care for their pets.

Every day, our Care Assistants witness the therapeutic advantages of this unique relationship but don’t just take our word for it! There’s a growing amount of scientific evidence to back us up:
 

Animals and wellbeing

Studies have shown some surprising and remarkable effects that pets can have on our physical and mental wellbeing.

Physical health benefits
We all know we feel great when we’re around our favourite creatures but how many of us are aware of the way we are physically reacting to the experience? There are proven physiological changes that occur in our bodies – even something as simple as watching your goldfish happily bobbing around its tank can:

• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Release chemicals in the brain that improve mood and reduce anxiety
• Improve cardiovascular health
• Reduce chronic pain

Pet therapy is also increasingly used to help with the physical and neurological rehabilitation of people who have had a stroke or brain injury, for example. Patting an animal or throwing a toy for it to fetch can be a fun way to improve muscle strength, balance and co-ordination and has proved popular with patients.

Mental health benefits
The psychological boost we get from our pets can be more difficult to measure but whether you prefer stroking a dog to tickling a cat, case studies suggest contact with animals can:

• Encourage communication and socialization
• Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation
• Combat depression
• Promote a sense of motivation and purpose
• Provide comfort and companionship
• Reduce boredom
• Promote independence
• Improve focus and attention
• Reduce anxiety and behavioural problems

And if that’s not enough to make you rush down to the pet shop, one recent report even suggests that dogs can be as effective at raising our self esteem as close friends!
 

Pets and social care

As a simple, effective treatment for a host of health and social issues, it’s a wonder pets aren’t prescribed on the NHS. With the enormous benefits they bring, it’s easy to see how our furry friends can have a real impact on improving the quality of life of those we care for. With flexible homecare from Bluebird Care Wandsworth, knowing that you can continue to enjoy life with the animals you love is all part of the package. Our customers can be assured that we go the extra mile to ensure their health and happiness – and that of their wonderful pets!