Animal-assisted therapy in elderly care
Pilana Vithanage, Nayana, D.; Senadhirathna, Shanika, U. (2026)
2026
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202604146377
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202604146377
Tiivistelmä
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is used as a complementary, non- pharmacological intervention in elderly care, especially in nursing homes where older adults often experience loneliness and reduced social interaction. The purpose of this qualitative narrative review was to describe research evidence reduced social interaction. The purpose of this qualitative narrative review was to describe research evidence on the use of AAT in elderly care and to explore how it is implemented and what challenges nurses face.
Data were collected through a structured literature search in CINAHL and PubMed. Peer-reviewed primary studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included, resulting in 12 selected articles. The study selection process was presented using a PRISMA flow diagram. The characteristics of the included studies were summarizedin the article table (Appendix 1), outlining authors, design, participants, intervention type, and main findings.
Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The data analysis table (Table 4) shows how extracted findings were coded and organized into themes. Two main themes were identified. The use of AAT in elderly care and challenges in implementation. The finding indicate that AAT mainly supports emotional well-being, reduce loneliness, and enhances social engagement among older adults. Some benefits cognitive and physical functioning were also reported. However, nurses face challenges such as infection control concerns, workload, scheduling difficulties ethical responsibility and financial constraints for animal welfare. Overall, AAT can be considered a meaningful person cantered intervention when carefully planned and supported.
Data were collected through a structured literature search in CINAHL and PubMed. Peer-reviewed primary studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included, resulting in 12 selected articles. The study selection process was presented using a PRISMA flow diagram. The characteristics of the included studies were summarizedin the article table (Appendix 1), outlining authors, design, participants, intervention type, and main findings.
Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The data analysis table (Table 4) shows how extracted findings were coded and organized into themes. Two main themes were identified. The use of AAT in elderly care and challenges in implementation. The finding indicate that AAT mainly supports emotional well-being, reduce loneliness, and enhances social engagement among older adults. Some benefits cognitive and physical functioning were also reported. However, nurses face challenges such as infection control concerns, workload, scheduling difficulties ethical responsibility and financial constraints for animal welfare. Overall, AAT can be considered a meaningful person cantered intervention when carefully planned and supported.