A study conducted by the Saint Louis University School of Medicine found that nursing-home residents prefer one-on-one time with man's best friend.
A study conducted by the Saint Louis University School of Medicine found that nursing-home residents prefer one-on-one time with man's best friend. Researchers predicted dog visits would increase the interaction between residents. But residents who had one-on-one time with a dog had a bigger decrease in loneliness after five to six weeks than those residents who had group visits with a dog. Based on these results, researchers say the main way pets reduce loneliness in nursing homes is by being with people alone, not enhancing socialization among people who already spend their days together.