Strategies to increase health care providers' awareness of the role of the animal/human bond in the health and supportive care of seniors

To validate the significant purpose animals serve in the health and supportive care of seniors, this presentation focuses on the development and implementation of a seminar specifically designed for health care providers who are considering introducing animal assisted therapy (AAT) or animal assisted activities (AAA) into their work environments. Companion animals and human health served as a starting point for lectures and discussions. Lectures and discussions focused on the utilization of animals in decreasing depression and social isolation of homebound elderly. Additional content focused on animals in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities to demonstrate the diversity of service/therapy opportunities. Seminar participants participated in site visits to observe therapeutic riding, therapy dogs in a rehabilitation center and training of service dogs for the disabled. Guest speakers addressed utilization of animals in hospice and search/rescue. Seminar participants took part in discussions with trainers, owners and volunteers to gain understanding on how animals contribute to supportive/therapeutic care for seniors. Seminar participants maintained journals, created AAA/AAT Programs and prepared papers incorporating service/therapy animals into their career plans and work environments. After review of seminar participants' evaluations, outcomes included: (1) greater awareness of the depth and breadth of training needed to prepare animals to provide supportive care for seniors; (2) better understanding of the differences between service, therapy and activity animals; (3) increased respect for the role of volunteers in providing these services; and (4) an understanding of how animals could be incorporated into their careers as health care providers working with senior populations.