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Mrs Bruce has been helped by others easing the strain of
looking after someone with Alzheimer's disease.
"Jeanie" has benefited both from the social
visits to the home but also the peace and routine that has
been re-established in the family home.
Additionally all the residents and the carers at the Nursing
facility have looked forward to the interaction with the
four legged canine visitor.
The effects of companion animals on elderly Alzheimer's
patients living in private homes were examined recently.
- Patients exposed to a companion animal had less episodes
of verbal aggression and anxiety compared to those not exposed.
Pets
As Therapy (PAT) - a national charity founded in 1983
- is unique in that it organises therapeutic visits to hospitals,
hospices, nursing and care homes by volunteers with their
own friendly, temperament tested and vaccinated dogs. Every
year new dogs join in this charitable work.
At Fairfield one of our nursing staff, Tracey, is a qualified
PAT dog assessor. Patients often feel isolated and even
the most withdrawn seem to open up and let the barriers
down when their regular PAT hospital visiting dog is on
the ward.
The constant companionship of an undemanding animal, who
gives unconditional love, is often one of the most missed
aspects of their lives. PAT was formed to help make this
loss more bearable and to speed recovery. Voluntary PAT
visitors and their dogs work amongst those of us most in
need of a little extra boost.
Pets like "Jeanie" look after us, make sure like
Mrs Bruce, you look after them.
Terry
Dunne BVMS, Cert SAO, MRCVS
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