Happy Pet Blog

I read a report on the effects pets have on heart attack patients, in Australia. After a year, 6% of heart attack victims who owned a dog died, but, the difference is: a 25% mortality rate for those who didn’t own a dog. Now some people may be surprised. I am not, I have done dog therapy visiting for many years and see first hand the effect a dog can have on a health challenged person.

For many years, we have become aware of the therapeutic effects pets can have in healing. Some of these effects can be for: reduction in depression and stress.

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photo credit: normanack

 OOOOH!  Look at the beautiful flowers and greenery…for some of us, Spring really is around the corner!

This is an introduction to both the resident’s rights, and to some terms you may hear while visiting with patients. Even though the dog therapy visitor is not involved in health care, it is always a good idea to be informed of the “world” you will enter.

A Resident’s Right - Senior And Health Care Facility

1 - The right to be treated with respect

2 - The right to have proper care

3 - The right to privacy

4 - The right to make their room their home

5 - The right to be informed of their medical condition

6 - The right to refuse treatment

7 - The right to participate in all the decision making

8 - The right to have their business and medical care kept confidential

9 - The right to communicate in confidence

10- The right to have family present

11- The right to forma friendships

12- The right to privacy with a spouse

13- The right to be informed in writing of any change of policy

14- The right to manage their affairs

15- The right to a safe, clean environment

There are various disabilities that have prompted residents to move into a home. These are physical problems, cognitive problems, and the inability to function on one’s own.
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The young the elderly and the doggy My Nikki visiting a senior with her young friend, Catherine. Catherine loves to accompany me when I go Dog Therapy Visiting.