Posted:
Jan 02, 2015 7:51 AM PST
Updated:
Jan 02, 2015 7:51 AM PST
http://www.katc.com/story/27747351/olol-brings-in-pets-to-help-in-recovery#.VKcdJkfBiDE.blogger
Unfortunately in life,
accidents and illness happen that can leave you having to re-learn
everyday skills. At Our Lady of Lourdes hospital, they using the help of
man's best friend to get patients back on track.
With a wag of the tail and a walk down the hall, a Golden Retriever named Cayenne makes his visit to the OLOL therapy unit. He is one of many pets that volunteer their time to help those in need.
"I've never worked with a therapist dog before and people that need to should because they are attentive and so lovable," OLOL patient Bonnie L. Thomas of Lafayette said.
Not only are these animals offering emotional support for those who can't be at home with their pets, they provide a unique service for patients who've lost certain skills due to stroke or other complications.
"We have patients with hip fractures, so they may practice standing while they're petting the dog or an occupational therapist may work on just brushing the dog and doing lots of things with it," Our Lady of Lourdes Physical Therapist Hannah Miller said.
Miller says something has simple as petting a dog can translate to someone re-learning how to comb their hair.
"Or someone who is having difficulty walking having them stand with the dog or be able to take a few steps with the dog. Sometimes that can even help motivate someone who doesn't want to walk, they may want to walk with the dog," Miller said.
With the help of these lovable pups, patients are making their way back home with something they may have lost completely.
"These people have been wonderful. I'm getting my independence back," Thomas said.
The pet therapy program, with "Pets for Health" is still in the pilot phase in one unit of the hospital, but they hope to move it to other floors in the near future.
With a wag of the tail and a walk down the hall, a Golden Retriever named Cayenne makes his visit to the OLOL therapy unit. He is one of many pets that volunteer their time to help those in need.
"I've never worked with a therapist dog before and people that need to should because they are attentive and so lovable," OLOL patient Bonnie L. Thomas of Lafayette said.
Not only are these animals offering emotional support for those who can't be at home with their pets, they provide a unique service for patients who've lost certain skills due to stroke or other complications.
"We have patients with hip fractures, so they may practice standing while they're petting the dog or an occupational therapist may work on just brushing the dog and doing lots of things with it," Our Lady of Lourdes Physical Therapist Hannah Miller said.
Miller says something has simple as petting a dog can translate to someone re-learning how to comb their hair.
"Or someone who is having difficulty walking having them stand with the dog or be able to take a few steps with the dog. Sometimes that can even help motivate someone who doesn't want to walk, they may want to walk with the dog," Miller said.
With the help of these lovable pups, patients are making their way back home with something they may have lost completely.
"These people have been wonderful. I'm getting my independence back," Thomas said.
The pet therapy program, with "Pets for Health" is still in the pilot phase in one unit of the hospital, but they hope to move it to other floors in the near future.
Grace Walker Physical Therapist, Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center
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