Final answer:
The statement that long-term care facilities use pet therapy to help calm persons with dementia is true. Pet therapy is beneficial in reducing anxiety, and agitation, and improving social interactions among individuals with dementia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true. Many long-term care facilities have incorporated pet therapy programs to provide comfort and reduce anxiety among residents with dementia. Pet therapy involves visits from specially trained animals, often dogs, to interact with patients. These interactions can have a calming effect on individuals with dementia, helping to reduce agitation, improve social interactions, and even enhance cognitive function to a certain degree.
Pets typically have a non-judgmental presence that can be very soothing. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to release endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can be particularly beneficial for dementia patients, who may experience confusion, anxiety, or agitation as part of their condition. Various studies have supported the effectiveness of pet therapy in improving the emotional well-being of people with dementia.