ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY

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ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY

• Eva Fuchswans, M.D.
• Geriatric Center Am Wienerwald
• Vienna - Austria

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Problems in Nursing Homes for elderly people

• Severe regimentation
• No privacy
• The residents have no possibility to give and
  receive physical touch
• Elderly people feel ashamed of their physical and
  mental handicaps
• Tension between staff and residents

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Benefits of animal keeping in Nursing Homes

• Animals need care - gives the residents a feeling
  of responsibilty
• Animals give the feeling of privacy
• Animals need loving care, but should not
  substitute for human relations
• Animals do not mock humans handicaps
• Friendly communication between staff and
  residents increases

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DEFINITION OF ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY

• AAT improves the physical, psychological and
  social well-being of human-beings.

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ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

• PHYSICAL REHABILITATION
• Improves fine motor skills
• Improves wheelchair skills
• Improves standing balance

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ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

• MENTAL
• Increases verbal interactions between group
  members
• Increases attention skills
• Increases self-esteem
• Reduces anxiety and loneliness

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ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

• MOTIVATION
• Improves willingness to be involved in a group
  activity
• Improves interaction with others and staff
• Improves exercise

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EMPLOYMENT OF ANIMALS

• BIRDS
• for withdrawn patients
• Birds improve the self-concept and social
  attitude of elderly people
• RABBITS, CATS, DOGS
• For patients with myocardial infarction,
  depression, high blood pressure, strokes

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BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF PETS

• Improved social interaction and verbalization
• Decreased depression in residents of nursing
  homes
• Improved mental health and nonverbal
  communication
• Reduced stress
• Improved fine motor skills
• Reduced drugs needed

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DISADVANTAGES OF ANIMALS IN NURSING HOMES

• Hygienical problems
• Refusal of animals by staff and patients
• Death of the animal owner

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USES OF ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY

• Children Autism
• Lonely people
• Elderly people
• Disabled people
• People with psychiatric disorders
• People under stress
• Patients in coma

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ORGANIZATION OF ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY

• Information to staff, residents and their
  relatives
• Education of staff
• Selection of animals
• Introduction of animals to residents and staff
• Publicity
• Precautionary measures
• Documentation and evaluation

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STANDARDS FOR ANIMALS

• Selection of the animals (visiting or residential
  animals)
• Health check of the animals (vaccination,
  screening tests)
• Appropriate housekeeping
• Regular consultations with a veterinarian

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STANDARDS FOR THE PERSONNEL

• FOR ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPIST
• Credentials
• Continuous education
• FOR VOLUNTEERS
• Training
• Acknowledgement for their contribution
• Program
• Volunteer evaluation

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ANIMALS IN OUR GERIATRIC CENTER

• RESIDENTIAL ANIMALS
• Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea-pigs
• VISITING ANIMALS
• STAFF ANIMALS

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SIGNS OF STRESS IN ANIMALS

• Depression
• Inactivity
• Overactivity
• Sluggishness
• Burn out appearance,
• Loss of appetite
• Physical illness