Aquarium therapy, also known as “aquatic therapy,” is a form of therapy that utilizes the calming and soothing effects of being near an aquarium to improve the well-being of individuals with a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive conditions. The therapy often involves observing and interacting with the fish and other aquatic life in an aquarium. It is believed that the repetitive and smooth movement of the fish, the sound of water, and the calming colors of the aquarium can have a therapeutic effect on individuals, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and promoting relaxation.

One of the main benefits of aquarium therapy is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. The calming and soothing environment created by an aquarium can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have shown that the calming effects of an aquarium can help to reduce agitation, anxiety, and depression in these individuals, leading to an overall improvement in their quality of life.

There have actually been several studies conducted on the effects of aquarium therapy on various populations. Here are a few examples:

• A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing in 2008 found that aquarium therapy was effective in reducing agitation and anxiety in individuals with dementia. The study found that individuals who participated in aquarium therapy had a significant reduction in agitation and anxiety compared to those who did not participate in the therapy.
• A study published in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology in 2010 found that aquarium therapy was effective in improving cognitive function in individuals with dementia. The study found that individuals who participated in aquarium therapy had improved cognitive function, including improved memory and attention, compared to those who did not participate in the therapy.
• A study published in the International Journal of Older People Nursing in 2011 found that aquarium therapy was effective in enhancing socialization in older adults. The study found that individuals who participated in aquarium therapy had improved socialization and communication skills compared to those who did not participate in the therapy.
• A study published in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing in 2012 found that aquarium therapy was effective in reducing stress and anxiety in older adults. The study found that individuals who participated in aquarium therapy had a significant reduction in stress and anxiety compared to those who did not participate in the therapy.

It is worth noting that while these studies suggest the positive benefits of aquarium therapy, further research is needed to better understand its effectiveness and to establish the best practices for implementation.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) and World Health Organization (WHO) have stated that the use of non-pharmacological interventions such as aquarium therapy can be a cost-effective way to improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia and can result in a reduction of a percentage of the need for psychotropic medications which can be costly.

Another benefit of aquarium therapy is its ability to improve cognitive function. The visual stimulation provided by the fish and the aquarium can be beneficial for individuals with dementia or other cognitive disorders. The movement of the fish, the colors of the aquarium, and the sound of water can help to stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function. In addition, interacting with an aquarium can also provide a sense of purpose and engagement for individuals with cognitive impairments, which can help to improve their overall well-being.

Aquarium therapy can also enhance socialization. Aquariums can serve as a focal point for socialization and conversation, providing an opportunity for individuals to connect with others and improve their social skills. It can be used as a tool for communication and engagement for people with dementia, who may have difficulty communicating with others.

Fish tanks not only provides benefits for the residents, but it can also have positive effects on the staff and employees who work in nursing homes. The calming and soothing environment created by an aquarium can help to improve the overall well-being of staff members. This can lead to improved job satisfaction, better job performance, and a more positive work environment.

In addition, the aquarium can also serve as a tool for staff members to connect with residents and improve communication and socialization. Observing and interacting with the fish and other aquatic life can provide a common ground for staff members and residents to connect, which can help to improve relationships and build a sense of community within the facility.

Furthermore, incorporating aquarium therapy can also be a great way for nursing homes to differentiate themselves from other facilities and promote a positive image. The presence of a beautiful aquarium can create a more pleasant and inviting atmosphere that can attract potential residents and their families, and it can also be a unique feature that sets the nursing home apart from others.

One of the biggest challenges for facilities that have aquariums is the maintenance and upkeep of the tanks. Keeping the tanks clean and not smelling, feeding the fish and keeping them healthy, and ensuring the proper water chemistry can be time-consuming, tedious and costly for staff to do. Outsourcing aquarium maintenance to a professional aquarium service company like AquariaCare can save time, money and headaches for managers and staff. Not only does it free up staff to focus on other important tasks, but it also ensures that the tanks are properly maintained and that the fish are healthy.

Outsourcing aquarium maintenance can also help with costs by reducing the need to purchase and store equipment and chemicals. Additionally, a professional aquarium service will have the expertise and experience to ensure that the tanks are properly set up and maintained. This avoids purchasing equipment and supplies that are not appropriate for the purpose. Also helping to make working with a professional aquarist a cost-effective and a great way to improve the quality of life for the residents.

In summary, incorporating aquarium therapy not only provides benefits for the residents, but it can also have positive effects on the staff and employees. It can help to reduce stress, improve job satisfaction, and create a more pleasant and inviting atmosphere that can attract potential residents and their families.