Demand Congress Allow Pet Visitation in Long-Term Health Care Facilities

Congress must act today requiring long-term care facilities that receive medicare and medicaid reimbursements to allow patients to spend time with their beloved pets.

Pets have been proven to have a positive impact on the physical and emotional wellbeing of patients in long term care facilities. Hospitals are a difficult environment for patients and staff alike. Pets help to reduce stress and anxiety, which is especially important given that many people in long-term facilities suffer from dementia, loneliness and depression. In addition, pet therapy sessions often provide comfort for those living with both mental health disorders and terminal illnesses. Allowing residents to see their beloved pets is critical for emotional and physical well being.

Pets help reduce stress by providing comfort and therapy to those who need it the most. Pets in hospitals provide comfort to those living with both mental health disorders and terminal illnesses. The presence of a pet helps patients by lowering their blood pressure and heart rate. When a person is at risk for a heart attack or stroke, this can be life saving. It also helps patients recover from surgery faster if they're allowed visitation from their pet while recovering from surgery.

The benefits of pet therapy are not limited to just the patients themselves. The presence of pets in these facilities can have a positive impact on the employees as well, who often experience stress from working with difficult situations on a daily basis. In addition, caregivers can use pet therapy to calm patients who may be acting out due to pain, discomfort, or frustration.

In fact, research suggests that pets help decrease staff burnout and improve work satisfaction.

Studies have shown that pets are beneficial to the health of patients in long-term care facilities. Pets decrease levels of stress and anxiety, and provide comfort for mental health disorders and terminal illnesses.

It is clear that pets in long-term care facilities are beneficial for everyone involved. Congress must act today requiring long-term care facilities that receive medicare and medicaid reimbursements to allow patient access to their beloved pets.