The Birches Harnesses the Healing Power of Pets

Anyone who has ever owned a pet can tell you the transformative effect they can have on your life. They provide you with companionship, unconditional love, and ward off looming loneliness. But they can also contribute to your health in other surprising and substantial ways. Research shows that pet owners have a reduced risk of depression, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, reduced risk of heart disease, higher levels of the mood-enhancing neurochemicals serotonin and dopamine, and a longer lifespan. 

In general, it seems that pet lovers of all ages are healthier and happier than their non-pet loving counterparts. Regular interaction with an animal can help a young child with Autism just as much as it can help an older adult with Alzheimer’s. Pet owners over age 65 visit their doctor 30 percent less frequently than those without pets, and children that grow up with pets are less prone to allergies and asthma. In other words, the healing power of pets knows no age limitation.

At The Birches Assisted Living, residents are encouraged to harness this healing power; The Birches is a pet-friendly community and residents are welcome to bring their furry friends. A few residents have taken advantage of this opportunity by bringing their long-time animal companions with them to their new home.

Birches resident John Singleton, for example, lives with his Cockatiel “Sweet” who he’s had for 26 years. Singleton’s wife purchased the bird as a baby, and he has been an important part of Singleton’s life ever since. “My wife got him. I was mad when she got him, and now I love the little thing,” said Singleton. 

Singleton says that Sweet is a good companion and keeps him entertained. “He talks when he wants to, and he also bites when he wants to. He’s getting old and ornery,” Singleton quips.  At night, Singleton often takes Sweet out of his cage and the bird will either sit on his shoulder, or Singleton will put a towel on his chest and the bird will lay there as he watches TV. Singleton says that Cockatiels like Sweet make great pets. “They’re not really that big and they’re easy to take care of,” said Singleton.

Neta and Mike Meier have also brought their beloved pet to live with them at The Birches. The Meiers own a black cat named Maude who they've had for 13 years. “She’s the world’s friendliest cat,” Mike Meier said of Maude. The Meiers adopted Maude from an animal shelter in La Grange Park called CatNap from the Heart. They became acquainted with the owner of CatNap, Bobbi Meyer, after taking their previous cat there for boarding when they traveled.

When the Meiers were ready to adopt another cat, Meyer said she had the perfect cat for them: Maude. At the time, Maude was set to appear on the 12:00 news in a segment called “Pet on the Set” in order to help her find a home. Meyer told Neta and Mike to watch the segment so they could see Maude in action. During the segment, Maude impressed the cast and crew so much with her friendly demeanor and adorable curiosity that everybody on the set wanted to adopt her. Meyer, however, told them that Maude already had a home with the Meiers, and they have been a happy family ever since.  

In addition to welcoming personal pets, The Birches also offers its residents other opportunities to interact with animals in their day to day lives. The Birches has an indoor aviary and viewing area where residents can sit and watch the birds. Currently, the aviary contains six different species of birds including shaft-tail finches, Gouldian finches, silverbills, green singing finches, zebra finches, and orange weavers.

The Birches also participates in the Hinsdale Humane Society’s “Pet a Pet” program in which the organization sends trained owners and approved pets to assisted living centers and nursing homes. Established in 1982, "Pet a Pet" is the Hinsdale Humane Society’s oldest and most well-established pet-therapy program. These “Pet a Pet” visits give residents the opportunity to have fun and interact with pets and their owners. Pet therapy programs like this have been shown to have many positive effects on participants, including improved motor skills and balance, decreased heart rate and blood pressure, and an increased sense of well-being and relaxation.

By embracing the healing power of pets, The Birches is helping its residents live life to the fullest and find joy in every day. In many ways, pets are an ideal complement to the Birches’ Masterpiece Living philosophy, which encourages residents to continue growing physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually throughout their lives. Pets support a Masterpiece Living lifestyle by encouraging physical activity, promoting interaction and conversation between fellow pet-lovers, providing mental stimulation through added responsibility and an enhanced sense of purpose, and filling your heart with laughter, love, and joy.  It appears our furry (and feathered) friends may, in fact, be the best medicine!