Georgia Senior Living Community Uses the Power of Pets to Engage Residents
Plantation South Dunwoody’s pet therapy program boosts residents’ health
Dunwoody, GA, October 28, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The residents of Plantation South Dunwoody (www.plantationsouth-dunwoody.com), a senior living residential community in Dunwoody, look forward to their visits with Murphy, a Golden Retriever, every Wednesday.
Murphy is a pet therapy dog who volunteers with his owner, Victoria Hastie, as part of the Golden Retriever Rescue Group. Once a week, Murphy and Hastie visit Plantation South Dunwoody to offer their unique brand of friendly and fun therapy.
“The residents really love Murphy, and visiting with him always puts them in a good mood and gets them talking,” says DeAnn Young of Plantation South Dunwoody. “The best thing about pet therapy is that it doesn’t feel like therapy – it’s not intimidating, and the residents are happy to visit with a sweet dog who’s always excited to see them.”
Pets have long been recognized for their unique ability to offer comfort and companionship in times of stress, but many studies have shown that the benefits of interacting with a loving animal are far greater than one might expect. Research has shown that pet therapy can increase social interaction, lower blood pressure, improve self-esteem and even decrease anxiety, loneliness and depression.
“Seniors are at a higher risk of experiencing depression as they become less able to do things for themselves,” says Young. “Visiting with pets is an easy and enjoyable way for them to be social, reduce stress and feel better about themselves.”
About Plantation South Dunwoody
Plantation South Dunwoody (www.plantationsouth-dunwoody.com) is a senior living and Alzheimer’s care residential community. Plantation South offers 57 spacious studio apartments, 24-hour staffing, on-site physicians and amenities such as an activity room, salon, library and a private dining room.
About Senior Management Advisors, Inc.
Senior Management Advisors (SMA) (www.seniormanagementadvisors.com) is a leading operator of full service independent living, assisted living and Alzheimer’s care residential communities in Georgia and Florida. SMA specializes in rejuvenating and stabilizing senior living communities for owners, financial institutions, private investors and government agencies. SMA’s services include consultation, management, development and renovation of residential communities.
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Murphy is a pet therapy dog who volunteers with his owner, Victoria Hastie, as part of the Golden Retriever Rescue Group. Once a week, Murphy and Hastie visit Plantation South Dunwoody to offer their unique brand of friendly and fun therapy.
“The residents really love Murphy, and visiting with him always puts them in a good mood and gets them talking,” says DeAnn Young of Plantation South Dunwoody. “The best thing about pet therapy is that it doesn’t feel like therapy – it’s not intimidating, and the residents are happy to visit with a sweet dog who’s always excited to see them.”
Pets have long been recognized for their unique ability to offer comfort and companionship in times of stress, but many studies have shown that the benefits of interacting with a loving animal are far greater than one might expect. Research has shown that pet therapy can increase social interaction, lower blood pressure, improve self-esteem and even decrease anxiety, loneliness and depression.
“Seniors are at a higher risk of experiencing depression as they become less able to do things for themselves,” says Young. “Visiting with pets is an easy and enjoyable way for them to be social, reduce stress and feel better about themselves.”
About Plantation South Dunwoody
Plantation South Dunwoody (www.plantationsouth-dunwoody.com) is a senior living and Alzheimer’s care residential community. Plantation South offers 57 spacious studio apartments, 24-hour staffing, on-site physicians and amenities such as an activity room, salon, library and a private dining room.
About Senior Management Advisors, Inc.
Senior Management Advisors (SMA) (www.seniormanagementadvisors.com) is a leading operator of full service independent living, assisted living and Alzheimer’s care residential communities in Georgia and Florida. SMA specializes in rejuvenating and stabilizing senior living communities for owners, financial institutions, private investors and government agencies. SMA’s services include consultation, management, development and renovation of residential communities.
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Contact
Plantation South Dunwoody
Valerie Schein
(770) 936-9857
www.plantationsouth-dunwoody.com
Valerie Schein
(770) 936-9857
www.plantationsouth-dunwoody.com
Contact
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