This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in Web of Science Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Connell, C. M Articles by McLaughlin, S. J. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Are Pets a Source of Support or Added Burden for Married Couples Facing Dementia?

University of Michigan School of Public Health

Mary R. Janevic

University of Michigan School of Public Health

Erica Solway

University of California, San Francisco

Sara J. McLaughlin

University of Michigan School of Public Health

In studies that have explored pet ownership in families affected by dementia, reported benefits have ranged from improvements in patient behavior to reduction in caregiver blood pressure. In this exploratory study, the impact of dementia on relationships among pets, caregivers, and care recipients was examined using content analysis of open-ended questions included in a telephone survey. Female spouse caregivers who owned pets were asked how their (and their husband's) relationship with their pets changed since they started caring for their husband. Most caregivers reported that they felt closer and more attached to their pets than previously. However, some caregivers reported that their pets created an additional burden and that they and their spouse had less time to care for the pets since the onset of illness. Findings highlight the need for further research to explore the unique benefits and burdens of owning a pet for families affected by dementia.

Key Words: pets • caregivers • dementia

References

• Allen, K. (2000). Pet dogs diminish cardiovascular reactivity among hypertensive caregiver spouses of individuals with traumatic brain injury. Psychophysiology, 37, S23.
• Allen, K. (2003). Are pets a healthy pleasure? The influence of pets on blood pressure. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 12, 236-239.[CrossRef][Web of Science]
• American Veterinary Medical Association. (AVMA). (2002). U.S. pet ownership and demo-graphics sourcebook. Schaumburg, IL: Author.
• Anderson, W.P., Reid, C.M., & Jennings, G.L. (1992). Pet ownership and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Medical Journal of Australia, 157, 298-301.[Web of Science][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
• Banks, M.R., & Banks, W.A. (2005). The effects of group and individual animal-assisted therapy on loneliness in residents of long term care facilities. Anthrozoos, 18(4), 396-408.[Web of Science]
• Batson, K., McCabe, B., Baun, M.M., & Wilson, C. (1998). The effects of a therapy dog on socialization and physiological indicators of stress in persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. In C. C. Wilson & D. C. Turner (Eds.), Companion animals in human health (pp. 203-217). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Baun, M.M., & McCabe, B.W. (2003). Companion animals and persons with dementia of the Alzheimer's type: Therapeutic possibilities. American Behavioral Scientist, 47, 42-51.[Abstract]
• Becker, M., & Kushner, R. (2006). Fitness unleashed: A dog owner's guide to losing weight and gaining health together. New York: Random House.
• Boldt, M.A., & Dellman-Jenkins, M. (1992). The impact of companion animals in later life and considerations for practice. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 11, 228-239.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
• Churchill, M., Safaoui, J., McCabe, B.W., & Baun, M.M. (1999). Using a therapy dog to alleviate the agitation and desocialization of people with Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, 37, 16-22.
• Connell, C.M., & Gibson, G.D. (1997). Racial, ethnic, and cultural differences in dementia caregiving: Review and analysis. The Gerontologist, 37, 355-364.[Abstract]
• Connell, C.M., & Janevic, M.R. (2003). Effectiveness of a telephone-based exercise program for dementia caregivers: Results at 6-month follow-up. The Gerontologist, 43, 327.
• Connell, C.M., Janevic, M.R., & Gallant, M.P. (2001). The costs of caring: Impact of dementia on family caregivers. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 14, 179-187.
• Fogle, B. (1981). (Ed.). Interrelations between people and pets. Springfield, IL: Charles C Thomas.
• Friedmann, E., Katcher, A.H., Lynch, J.J., & Thomas, S.A. (1980). Animal companions and one year survival of patients after discharge from a coronary care unit. Public Health Reports, 95, 307-312.[Web of Science][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
• Friedmann, E., & Thomas, S.A. (1995). Pet ownership, social support, and one-year survival after acute myocardial infarction in the cardiac arrhythmia suppression trial (CAST). American Journal of Cardiology, 76, 1213-1217.[CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
• Fritz, C.L., Farver, T.B., Hart, L.A., & Kass, P.H. (1996). Companion animals and the psychological health of Alzheimer patients' caregivers. Psychological Reports, 78, 467-481.[Web of Science][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
• Garrity, T.F., & Stallones, L. (1998). Effects of pet contact on human well-being: Review of recent research. In C. C. Wilson & D. C. Turner (Eds.). Companion animals in human health (pp. 3-22). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Garrity, T.F., Stallones, L., Marx, M.B., & Johnson, T.P. (1989). Pet ownership and attachment as supportive factors in the health of the elderly. Anthrozoos, 3, 35-44.
• Goldmeier, J. (1986). Pets or people: Another research note. The Gerontologist, 26, 203-206.[Web of Science][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
• Headey, B. (1999). Health benefits and health cost savings due to pets: Preliminary estimates from an Australian National Survey. Social Indicators Research, 47, 233-243.[CrossRef][Web of Science]
• Janevic, M.R., & Connell, C.M. (2001). Racial, ethnic, and cultural differences in the dementia caregiving experience: Recent findings. The Gerontologist, 41, 334-347.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
• Janevic, M.R., & Connell, C.M. (2004). Exploring self-care among dementia caregivers: The role of perceived support in accomplishing exercise goals. Journal of Women and Aging, 16, 71-86.
• Katcher, A., & Beck. A. (Eds.). (1983). Proceedings of the International Conference on the Human/Companion Animal Bond. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.
• Levkoff, S.E., Prohaska, T.R., Weitzman, P.F., & Ory, M.G. (2000). Recruitment and retention in minority populations: Lessons learned in conducting research on health promotion and minority aging. New York: Springer.
• Manor, W. (1991). Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers: The role of the human-animal bond. Holistic Nursing Practice, 5, 32-37.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
• Miles, M.B., & Huberman, A.M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Ory, M.G., & Goldberg, E.L. (1983). Pet possession and well-being in elderly women. Research on Aging, 5, 389-410.[Abstract]
• Raina, P., Waltner-Toews, D., Bonnett, B., Woodward, C., & Abernathy, T. (1999). Influence of companion animals on the physical and psychological health of older people: An analysis of a one-year longitudinal study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 47, 323-329.[Web of Science][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
• Raveis, V.H., Mesagno, F., Karus, D., Gorey, E. (1993). Pet ownership as a protective factor supporting the emotional well-being of cancer patients and their family members. New York: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Social Work.
• Robb, S.S., & Stegman, C.E. (1983). Companion animals and elderly people: A challenge for evaluators of social support. The Gerontologist, 23, 277-282.[Web of Science][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
• Rogers, J., Hart, L.A., & Boltz, R.P. (1993). The role of pet dogs in casual conversations of elderly adults. Journal of Social Psychology, 133, 265-277.[Web of Science][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
• Sable, P. (1995). Pets, attachment, and well-being across the life cycle. Social Work, 40(3), 334-341.[Web of Science][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
• Siegel, J.M. (1990). Stressful life events and use of physician services among the elderly: The moderating role of pet ownership. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58, 1081-1086.[CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
• Siegel, J.M. (1993). Companion animals: In sickness and health. Journal of Social Issues, 49, 157-167.[Web of Science]
• Thorpe, R.J., Simonsick, E.M., Brach, J.S., Ayonayon, H., Satterfield, S., Harris, T.B., et al. (2006). Dog ownership, walking behavior, and maintained mobility in late life. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 54, 1419-1424.[CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
• Venske, M.H., Mayhew, M.S., & Burris, J.F. (1990). The perils of pet therapy. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 38, 830-831.[Web of Science][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

Journal of Applied Gerontology, Vol. 26, No. 5, 472-485 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0733464807305180


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in Web of Science Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Connell, C. M Articles by McLaughlin, S. J. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?