‘Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.’  George Eliot

  You may have experienced a person with dementia picking up a doll or teddy and talking to it, which we traditionally identify as a symptom of dementia.  However, from a Spark of Life perspective, this behavior is seen as an unmet need to have the opportunity to care.

Pet therapy is a proactive way to fulfill this need and has been used around the world for many years but you may feel that this is difficult in your situation.

Be creative and think outside the circle to facilitate the person with dementia to interact with animals. As an alternative to a pet, consider introducing someone’s well-behaved pet or bird. You could also organize a regular visit to a local petting farm or maybe even the zoo for a more exotic experience.