Hospice

Updated: May 18

Palliative care management

By providing emotional support, physical comfort, and moments of cheerfulness, therapy dogs help patients and families find solace and support during life’s most difficult moments.

Emotional Support and Comfort

Hospice care involves providing support and comfort when life’s journey is nearing its final chapter. Therapy dogs have proven to be a wonderful addition to that care, since they excel at sharing smiles and joy. The presence of a calm, affectionate dog can reduce feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and sadness that come to everyone involved in end-of-life care.

The unconditional love and non-judgmental nature of hospice therapy dogs can help create a comforting atmosphere. They allow hospice patients to be vulnerable and express their emotions. Therapy dogs are present and engaged, offering a silent, empathetic and understanding that’s often more powerful than words.

Emotional Healing in Hospice Care

Pet therapy mitigates isolation, anxiety, and depression in hospice patients through comfortable interactions with therapy dogs.
The release of hormones like serotonin, oxytocin, and prolactin during petting enhances mood and relaxation.
Patients benefit from positive reminiscing, leading to deeper family connections and emotional processing.
Physical presence of therapy dogs provides joy, helping distract from discomfort and illness.
Pet therapy improves quality of life by providing comfort and companionship to hospice patients.
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) promotes lower blood pressure and heart rate, vital for cardiovascular health.
Engagement with therapy animals leads to reduced anxiety, improving emotional stability in challenging times.
Various animals like dogs, cats, and rabbits provide unique emotional benefits tailored to patient preferences.
Historical ties trace back to 18th-century England, with formal studies emerging in the 1960s highlighting psychological advantages.
Research indicates AAT positively influences hospice care by enhancing emotional and psychological states of patients.