Pets must be cared for, otherwise they fail to thrive. This may be a hard lesson, possibly from time to time even cruel for the animal, but individuals with brain injury must learn or relearn this important fact of life. Naturally a responsible adult should intervene if the pet's health or well-being is adversely affected. When limitations are barriers to independently caring for a pet of choice, talk about strategies that will enable more independence and determine what duties will be managed by whom so responsibilities can be monitored and the proper care is always provided. This often enhances social skills building for individuals when encountering others in the park, neighborhoods and other places people congregate with pets.
Pets are great conversation pieces.
Individuals with severe brain injury and other impairing conditions often have little control over their lives. Pets always have time for sharing with their owners and their loyalty is indisputable. Pet therapy is a well-established routine in many hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. Anecdotal accounts tell of the benefits of pets being in the presence of people in all stages of recovery, rehabilitation and even end-stage illnesses. Nonverbal individuals generally respond with contented smiles when pets are introduced into their environment.