Owning a pet can be a life-enhancing experience and can offer many positive benefits for those living with a disability.
Pets can help to reduce levels of stress, anxiety and depression.They can offer a sense of purpose and an opportunity to exercise care for something outside of ourselves - they can be one of the best distractions at times!
Pets are non-judgemental, love unconditionally and offer comfort through companionship and help to reduce feelings of loneliness.
Playing, caring or interacting with a pet can help raise our levels of serotonin and dopamine, which combined can help soothe and calm our state of being, support a better night's sleep and regulate our moods, helping us to feel good.
Some pets to consider:
Dogs - Dogs especially can provide a sense of security, and are loyal furry friends, that are almost always happy to see us. Service and therapy dogs can also perform essential tasks for disabled individuals, they can offer new opportunities for independence, like retrieving a dropped item for example.
Cats - Cats require a little less maintenance than dogs, but also offer wonderful companionship, loved to be stroked and are equally good listeners if you need someone to share your ideas with.
Fish - Fish are slightly simpler to care for than other pets. Not only do fish offer a beautiful aesthetic in a room, but they also provide a sense of calm through observation. Watching a fish tank is can help to relief anxiety and stress. Research has shown that watching a fish tank for at least 30 minutes a day slows your heart rate, helps you relax and makes you less tense.
Whether it's a dog, cat, fish or another variety of pet you choose, pets can support us to live more in the present moment, provide us with a sense of purpose and calm, and provide some of the best companionship for those with living a disability.
IndependentlyYou.com.au is a registered NDIS provider.
We are proud to announce, as a registered NDIS Continence Aids Provider, that our incontinence products can accessed through the Consumables budget in your NDIS plan.
You can place an order (GST Free) on our website, IndependentlyYou.com.au; via telephone (1800 809 847) or via email to info@independentlyyou.com.
Our range of incontinence products include absorbent underwear, waterproof; bedding, lift chair and regular chair protection, bibs and bandanas.
For more information on the NDIS and whether you or your loved one may be eligible for support please visit the Federal Government’s NDIS Website
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Web: https://IndependentlyYou.com.au
NDIS Provider Number: 4050015980 (Brolly Sheets Ltd)
Email: info@brollysheets.com
Australia: 1800 809 847
About the author : Glenn Hawes. Glenn has been the Brolly Sheets sales and service champion for NDIS participants, since Brolly Sheets became a registered provider in May 2017. Representing the company's IndependentlyYou.com.au website, in addition to taking telephone orders, Glenn also exhibits the brand at various trade shows across Australia. Glenn can be reached on the telephone at 1800 809 847 or via email glenn@independentlyyou.com