Harbor Light Hospice

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Animal Assisted Therapy in Hospice Care

April 4, 2019

a senior citizen in hospice care holding her dog which is part of animal assisted therapyHospice patients often struggle with sadness, fear, anger, and other difficult emotions. As they begin experiencing the end of their lives, it’s natural to also begin feeling a range of complex and sometimes frustrating mix. In addition to helping hospice patients manage pain, complete everyday tasks, and receive medical treatment, hospice workers can also help them cope with their feelings. One unlikely hospice worker can be especially helpful in this service: dogs. Animal assisted therapy, often used to help ease stress and provide other mental health benefits, can be a valuable addition to a hospice care patient’s regular treatments.

Types of Hospice Care Dogs

While many types of animals can be trained to be therapy animals, dogs are the most common choice. They typically fall into two categories: therapy dogs, and visiting dogs. Therapy dogs and their handlers are specially trained to interact with patients in a particular manner. They can participate in formal therapy sessions, which are often conducted by a licensed social worker or therapist.

Visiting dogs, meanwhile, are not certified and are not trained to perform any specific tasks or behaviors. These dogs are simply a soothing presence and enjoyable distraction for patients. They may undergo some training to learn how to best approach patients, and each visiting dog is approved by the hospice organization prior to its first visit to ensure safety and comfort for both the animal and the patient.

Both types of dogs should be at least one year old before interacting with patients. They must be well-behaved, with good leash habits and obedience skills. These dogs should also be calm when faced with canes, wheelchairs, and unfamiliar people, and they must also be up to date on their vaccines. Dogs may be required to pass a test in order to become therapy or visiting dogs, demonstrating that they are able to safely interact with hospice patients.

Who Benefits from Animal Assisted Therapy

a cat being held by a woman in hospice careAnimal assisted therapy isn’t just for people who have had dogs or other pets in the past. The service can help a wide range of hospice patients in several different ways. Those who are able to walk and must engage in some light exercise each day may enjoy the task more if they can take their animal therapist on a short walk up and down the halls.

Therapy and visiting dogs can also help those with dementia or Alzheimer’s feel less agitated. These diseases cause confusion and forgetfulness that often leads to intense feelings of panic and anger. Patients who are prone to these behaviors may be better able to remain calm and manage these feelings after several visits from an animal friend who provides them with a regular sense of ease.

Finally, animal assisted therapy may be useful in helping patients who are reserved, closed off, or reluctant to socialize. Regular social interaction is an important element of hospice care, as it helps patients feel less lonely and improves their quality of life. A service animal can be the perfect way to encourage these patients to speak up more and work towards an optimistic outlook that improves their mental health. Conversations centering on the dog may lead to improved relationships with hospice staff and with visitors, enriching patients’ social lives.

Benefits of Pets for In-Home Hospice Care Patients

Therapy and visiting dogs are often available to make house calls and spend time with hospice care patients who have chosen to remain in their own homes for their treatment. However, families who already own pets can provide their loved ones with many of the same benefits as these animals, including relaxation, distraction, socialization, and a welcome break in the day to look forward to. Before introducing your pet to your loved one, ensure that the animal can remain calm and refrain from loud noises or sudden movements, which may frighten or harm your loved one. If your loved one is able to continue caring for a pet of their own, allowing them to continue completing small care tasks, such as light grooming and feeding, can help them feel independent and useful. This often leads to improved moods and outlooks, which are vital during the hospice phase of their lives.

Harbor Light Hospice’s Animal Assisted Therapy

a woman in hospice care petting her new catSpeak to Harbor Light Hospice for more information about animal assisted therapy and its benefits for your loved one. Harbor Light’s volunteer program recruits owners of dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and other small animals to visit hospice patients in nursing homes, private homes, and extended care facilities. The organization uses this form of therapy in conjunction with music, pain management, and a variety of other hospice care methods to provide patients with a better quality of life. Programs to assist caregivers, including counseling and respite care, are also available.

Filed Under: Hospice Care

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  • Hospice Care
    ▶
    • When To Start Hospice
    • How To Pay For Hospice
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Talking To Physicians About Hospice
    • Support For Patient Family Members
    • Caring For Veterans
    • Volunteering For Hospice
    • Medical Treatment During Hospice
  • Conditions Cared For
    ▶
    • ALS
    • Cancer
    • Dementia and Alzheimers
    • Heart Disease
    • HIV/AIDs
    • Kidney Failure/Renal Failure
    • Lung Disease
    • Neurological Diseases
  • Areas Served
    ▶
    • Illinois
      ▶
      • Decatur, IL
      • East Peoria, IL
      • Galesburg, IL
      • Winfield, IL
    • Indiana
      ▶
      • Merrillville/Crown Point, IN
      • Indianapolis, IN
      • Mishawaka/South Bend, IN
    • Nebraska
      ▶
      • Lincoln, NE
    • Ohio
      ▶
      • Akron, OH
      • Cleveland, OH
      • Youngstown, OH
    • Oregon
      ▶
      • Portland, OR
      • Salem, OR
    • Virginia
      ▶
      • Glen Allen, VA
      • Newport News, VA
  • Resources
    ▶
    • Advance Care Planning
      ▶
      • Advance Directives For Cancer Patients
      • Advance Directives For COPD Patients
      • Advance Directives for Dementia Patients
      • Advance Directives For Patients With Heart Failure
      • Advance Directives Overview
      • Artificial Nutrition and Hydration
      • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
      • Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order
      • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
      • Medical Power of Attorney
      • What is a Living Will?
    • Caregiving
      ▶
      • Being Safe at Home
      • Caring For Individuals In Pain
      • Organizational Tips for Caregivers
      • Providing Care
      • Supporting the Caregiver
      • The Dying Process
    • COVID-19
      ▶
      • How to Avoid Burnout
      • How to Balance Work and Life
      • The Importance of Self-Care
      • Tips to Reduce Stress at Work
    • Grief and Loss
      ▶
      • Helping Children Cope With Grief
      • A Guide For Grieving Parents
      • Experiencing Grief
      • Supporting Someone Who is Grieving
      • Talking to Loved Ones About End-of-Life
    • Hospice Patients Resources
      ▶
      • Living During End of life
      • Talking To Children About Death
      • Talking About Your Illness
    • Pain Management
      ▶
      • Generic Drugs
      • Myths About Pain
      • Pain Management Frequently Asked Questions
      • Prescription Pain Relievers
      • Relieving Pain Without Medication
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