The dogs’ visits provided a sensory experience for patients and helped them recall memories, especially if they had owned pets themselves.
Studies show that animals offer many healing benefits to people. They lower blood pressure, increase confidence and self-esteem.
In these years, specially trained dogs and cats are accepted by hospitals, nursing homes, and other health-care facilities in the US. Their visits can be especially beneficial, particularly for the AD patients. They can increase physical motivation, spark memories, encourage speech, and enhance reality orientation.
Not any dog can become a therapy pet. Therapy pets need temperament and obedience. Rigorous training is necessary to make sure the people-pet pair can work will together.In the Princess Margaret Hospital in CHCH, a pet therapy trial is running for AD patients.
Photo: DAVID HALLET/The Press-Trial: Princess Margaret Hospital in Christchurch is running a pet therapy trial for its Alzheimer’s patients. Fay King-Turner enjoys the dog visits.
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/nelsonmail/4405885a6417.html
