Ever wondered why your dentist or doctors offices so often have fish tanks in their waiting room? Well there is actually a scientifically backed reasoning as to why these aquatic showcases are so frequently used. Many Studies have been performed over the past few decades, which revealed amazing physical and emotional benefits to having and watching a fish tank, especially for those whom are elderly. Listed below, I will reveal why we at The Promised Land Adult Family Home are so excited that we have a well maintained 60 gallon Freshwater fish tank accessible to all of our residents in our living room, as well as a 300+ gallon pond with large goldfish, waterfall, and fountain features in our back yard!
A study performed at Purdue University by Nursing Professor Nancy Edwards, tracked 60 patients who were diagnosed with Alzheimer disease, or similar form of dementia across different specialized nursing homes in their area. These patients were first monitored before having access to watch a fish tank, and then monitored for a time after a fish tank was implemented in their facility. For those patients that were exposed to the fish tank, her findings included such benefits as improved alertness, a higher level of relaxation, and an improved appetite. A quote from the article listed below stated, “they ate up to 21 percent more food than they had before the introduction of the fish tanks. The average increase in food consumption was 17.2 percent.” These are amazing results considering food and drink consumption can be one of the most difficult challenges faced by nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult family homes alike. The study also displayed that due to the increased relaxation, it also reduced the episodes of agitation and aggression within the residents who got to enjoy the fish tank.
(Source for study https://news.uns.purdue.edu/html4ever/1999/990628.Edwards.fish.html)
Not only does this study verify significant benefits of having an aquarium in the home, but also we have seen these benefits and more first hand. Upon moving in, many residents can become scared, nervous, or shy. Not only does the fish tank often cause a calming affect on the resident, it also opens up many conversation starters allowing for connections to be made between the residents and their caregivers. So often do we see residents sitting in amazement for up to hours at a time just watching the fish flow through the tank. This form of entertainment is so essential to some residents, as it allows them to unwind without plopping down in front of a television all the time. During our warmer seasons, the pond is also an excellent place for our residents to relax and read a book.
Another benefit of having a large fish tank in the home is that it increases the humidity in the home, which is essential for the lungs and skin of our elderly population. The humidity, which comes from the tank, allows our residents to avoid dry air even during some of our driest, coldest and most skin chapping seasons. The humidity is also beneficial to the residents’ breathing. Before having the fish tank it was common for our residents to get dry mouth and lungs during the colder seasons, causing them to get a dry cough. After the introduction of our aquarium, this coughing has been decreased to very little to none, even during the dead of winter. Along side the frequent cleaning and lotion usage, our residents have excellently smooth and moisturized skin!
When seeking residence for yourself or a love one, especially who experience Alzheimer, dementia, etc. make sure to have an aquarium on your check list. Also feel free to stop by at The Promised Land Adult Family Home located in Bothell Washington to see our fish tank, as well as to meet our loving providers and caregivers.
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