Group Animal-assisted Therapy In A Hospital Setting
| PATIENTS: |
Patients in a group can have a variety of therapeutic goals including strengthening arms, balance (sitting and/or standing), visual perception, hand/eye coordination, reflexes, and Protective responses, Some patients have neuropathies as well. The size of the group can vary from session to session. Group size can range from two to eight patients. |
| PLACE: | A large enclosed area, such as a recreation room with carpet. An enclosed outside courtyard area is nice in warm weather. |
| SESSION LENGTH: | Sessions are up to one hour depending on the patients' needs, capabilities and schedules. |
| STAFF: | A therapist with one or two assistants, depending on group size. |
| EQUIPMENT: | A walker for patients to use and some hand towels. If patient walks with a cane, they should bring it to the session. |
| ANIMAL: | A dog that works well off leash and can retrieve, sit and stay on command. The dog should enjoy petting and grooming. |
| GOALS: |
The therapist and the handler will privately discuss the goals of the group prior to the session and again at conclusion. This allows the session activities to meet the needs of each patient. Group AAT is a fun experience for the patients and allows them to socialize with the dog and with one another while achieving a therapy goal, The dog encourages the patient to work a little harder in a relaxed environment. The experience helps the patients overcome depression and initiates some friendly competition, thus motivating them to participate in the activities. |
| THE THERAPY SESSION: |
The patients line up their chairs or make a semi-circle so that all can see the dog working with everyone in the group. Everyone will have a chance to meet, greet and pet the dog as they enter the room. The sessions usually begin with the dog retrieving for each patient. The dog will sit where instructed so the patients can throw the ball, or other toy to the dog. This can be done from a sitting or standing position or while the patient is walking toward the dog, depending on the goals for the patient. The patient may use a walker or cane to step beyond their chair as instructed by the therapist. The patient may use a walker or cane to take the dog for a walk, During this exercise the dog will wear a harness with a lead attached to it for the patient to use while the handler controls the dog with a lead on it collar. The therapist is with the patient at all times during this exercise. The patients may pet, groom or give treats to the dog, This encourages patients to reach, extend their arms and bend over. The patients, therapists and staff have a wonderful time working with the dog and handler; in turn the dog and handler also have a rewarding experience participating in a group session. |