Introduction: The number of older people is increasing every year and some of them live in homes for the elderly. The most common reason for moving to a home for senior citizens is that the person is no longer able to take care of themselves and their home independently. Various health services are provided within the homes for the elderly, including occupational therapy, which focuses on the user, his health, well-being and independence in daily activities. Various animals can be included in the treatment of occupational therapy, namely in the form of activities or therapy with the help of animals. Purpose: The aim was to investigate what occupational therapy involving animals is aimed at and how the effects of these are seen by occupational therapists employed in homes for the elderly. Methods: We used a descriptive research method. The data was collected in the form of a survey. A survey questionnaire was designed, which contained both open and closed type questions. It was answered by occupational therapists employed in homes for the elderly who have experience with occupational therapy treatment involving animals. Results: 82 respondents answered the first question of the questionnaire, which was used to find out whether the participants had experience with the inclusion of animals in occupational therapy treatment. 50 respondents who have experience of including animals in occupational therapy treatment continued to answer the questions. On average, the respondents have been carrying out such treatments for 8 years. Most often they include a dog, but other animals are not excluded. Treatment is most often aimed at improving/maintaining specific mental functions, improving/maintaining physical functions, and the area of free time and social participation. Discussion and conclusion: Animals are an important part of life, especially for older people. In case of major changes, such as moving to a home for senior citizens, depressive feelings and loneliness of individuals can be further expressed. In this case, activities or therapy with the help of animals can be of great help, improving the well-being and brightening the day of the residents of senior citizens' homes. At the same time, they enable more interesting and effective occupational therapy treatments.
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