NIGHTINGALENIGHTINGALEA bird delegation came to Solomon complaining,“Why is it you never criticize the nightingale?”“Because my way,” the nightingale explained for Solomon, “is different. Mid-March to mid-June I sing. The other nine months, while you continue chirping, I’m silent.”

Source: Barks, C.(1995) The Essential Rumi (First Edition). Harper Collins Publishers: New York, NY.

ANIMAL-ASSISTED ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPYTHERAPY

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) means:◦ To use specific animals as a

treatment modality.◦ It is effective for physical

and psychological problems.

◦ Florence Nightingale (1860) advised using a small pet as a companion for the sick.

◦ Also, Florence Nightingale advised patients with chronic illness to participate in the care of animals.

◦ Dogs, cats and other pets are acceptable in health care facilities, especially nursing homes.

ANIMAL-ASSISTED ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPYTHERAPYThe first comprehensive standard for AAT

was developed in 1990 by the Delta Society.Dogs and cats are used for companionability

and their ability to interact with humans.◦ Dogs and cats have been found to be calm,

tolerant, and friendly.◦ Dogs must be obedience trained.◦ Dogs and cats should be at least one year old

before they can be trained for AAT. They should be old enough to assure ability for

socialization and comfortable interaction with a variety of people.

Also, their immune system is more stabilized by this age.

They should have all inoculations. Their health should be approved by a veterinarian. Dogs should be comfortable with unfamiliar places,

loud noises and peculiar smells.

COMMON COMMON ANIMALS USED FOR ANIMALS USED FOR AATAAT

DogsCatsHorsesParrotsGuinea pigsRabbitsDwarf goatsLlamasDonkeysDifferent cultures may use other

animals.

EDUCATIONEDUCATIONAbout twelve countries offer some form of

formalized educational program.Participation in continuing education such

as:◦ Workshops◦ Home study courses

A written test is required after workshops or home study courses.

Examples of professionals who become educated for AAT are:◦ Nurses, Physical therapists, Occupational

therapists, Psychotherapists, Special Education teachers.

The animals also should pass a skill test.

WHY AAT IS HELPFULWHY AAT IS HELPFULSome individuals treat animals as

their children.These animals rarely disappoint their

owners.These animals provide occasions for

unconditional love and no expectations to meet.

These animals function as a playmate and a companion.

These animals provide an opportunity for:◦ Sense of trust◦ Sense of responsibility◦ Feeling of empathy toward others

WHY AAT IS EFFECTIVEWHY AAT IS EFFECTIVEEffective therapy is based on:

◦ Ability to give unconditional affection.◦ Create feeling of responsiveness.◦ Feeling of companionability.

Animals do not pay attention to age, sex, physical ability, disability, or beauty.

These animals accept their owner as they are.

It does not matter if a person is in a wheelchair, or has cancer, dementia or depression.

For these reasons, usually older adults with multi- medical problems respond very well to AAT.

TYPE OF THERAPUTIC TYPE OF THERAPUTIC EFFECTEFFECTPhysical goals

◦Range of motion: Throw an object for dog

◦Balance Carry a cat

◦Mobility Walk with dog

TYPE OF THERAPUTIC TYPE OF THERAPUTIC EFFECTEFFECTCognitive goals

◦Improve memory Ask to recall cat’s name

◦Improve verbal expression Command dog to go away or come

◦Increase self-esteem Dog or cat will pay attention to patient

◦Increase motivation Look forward to having a next session

with pet

TYPE OF THERAPUTIC TYPE OF THERAPUTIC EFFECTEFFECTSocial goals:

◦Improved socialization Participate in activities around the pets

◦Building rapport with others Team work during the therapy

HIPPOTHERAPYHIPPOTHERAPYHippotherapy means therapeutic

horseback riding.The term hippo is from the Greek

language, which means “horse.”Hippopsychotherapy:

◦For psychotherapeutic treatment◦Improves self-confidence◦Improves self-esteem◦Improves social competence

PHYSICAL HIPPOTHERAPYPHYSICAL HIPPOTHERAPY

It assists rhythmic movementImproves postureImproves balanceImproves mobility

PEOPLE PEOPLE BENEFITING FROM BENEFITING FROM HIPPOTHERAPYHIPPOTHERAPY

Children with:◦ Cerebral palsy◦ Sclerosis◦ Autism◦ Developmentally challenged

Adults:◦ Multiple sclerosis◦ Orthopedic problems◦ Post traumatic spasticity◦ Stroke◦ Post-war trauma

EDEN ALTERNATIVEEDEN ALTERNATIVEEden Alternative was founded in

New York by Dr. William Thomas.Dr. Thomas has written a book in

this area, which has been translated to other languages, such as German and Japanese.

North Carolina and Missouri have more Eden Alternative care than any other states in the USA.

EDEN ALTERNATIVEEDEN ALTERNATIVEA new approach to long-term care.Uses animals, plants, and children to interact

with long term residents.The goal for residents is to feel more at

home.Resident’s animals are part of the total

environment.Residents have more to say in their daily

activities, menus, and daily routine.Also, employees have flexibility in their

schedule, i.e., sick days, length of hours to work, scheduling, and support and care received.

The goal of Eden Alternative is to improve the quality of life and work for employees and residents in a long term setting.

PET’S CAREPET’S CARE Veterinary care

◦ Routine examination◦ Annual shots and rabies

vaccination◦ Make a visit to veterinarian at the

first sign of illness

PETPET’’S CARES CARE Pet Care:

◦ Keep pets clean.◦ Keep the pet's environment clean.◦ Regular grooming.◦ During a walk, have a leash on the

pet. ◦ Use commercially prepared pet

foods.◦ Avoid any pet droppings in your

home.

PET’S CAREPET’S CAREOwner’s care:

◦Wash hands after contact with pet’s bodily fluids.

◦Wash hands before eating. ◦Gloves and face mask should be

worn during litter box, aquarium, or bird cage cleaning.

◦Keep pets off kitchen surfaces.◦Do not allow dog to drink out of the

toilet (It is a very common practice).

SUMMARYSUMMARYAnimal-Assisted Therapy is becoming

an important part of health care, especially in long-term care facilities, assistant healing, and children’s hospitals.

Nurses have a significant role in facilitating AAT.

Nurses are a good source to suggest and assist AAT at the facility in which they work.

Nurses should be prepared for opposition to this program from patients, family, and/or administrators.

It is very important to have very well written policies and procedures regarding AAT.

SUMMARYSUMMARYPolicies and procedures should

address:◦Goals and outcomes◦Staff education ◦Volunteer recruitment and training◦Infection control policy◦Regular evaluation of the program◦Each state has different rules and

regulations regarding AAT. So, state rules and regulations should be followed by everyone in the state in which they are involved with AAT.