Rylie and Noah, a border collie and blended rescue dog from Romania, employed to satisfy those on dementia wards in Cefn Coed Hospital.
Left: Patient Jillian Edwards envisioned with family pet treatment dog Rylie
The canine buddies, and their owners, volunteer for Cariad Pet Therapy and had actually been welcomed along by the health center’s occupational treatment group to increase their clients’ psychological health.
Swansea Bay physical therapist in older individual’s psychological health, Holleigh Bryan, said: “Part of occupational treatment is taking a look at utilizing significant activities to increase the state of mind of our clients and to minimize their level of agitation.
“We were hoping that through introducing pet therapy, it would reach some of our patients who are passionate about animals. To settle them and give them a bit of enjoyment.”
Holleigh said that the see had actually been an undoubted success.
She said: “They reacted wonderfully. Some of girls and gentlemen have concerns with agitation and aggressiveness, and end up being distressed, however to see them with beaming smiles the minute the dogs strolled in was definitely great.
“Some clients, who we don’t see participated in any activities, were on the flooring rubbing the dogs, truly enjoying themselves.
“We haven’t seen that level of satisfaction from them considering that they’ve been here.
“One of our ladies, who has been struggling with mobility, as soon as we mentioned that there was a dog in another room, got off the bed as quickly as she could and started walking to the day room.”
Holleigh wished to thank everybody who was associated with the job and revealed the hope that it would end up being a routine event.
Ros Burrows and her 11-year-old border collie Rylie, volunteer for Cariad.
She said: “We volunteer anywhere where they desire us to come and do some family pet treatment. We’re here to make individuals feel a bit much better about themselves.
“Dogs are shown to have a really positive effect on people’s mental health. So that’s what we do. We go along to bring smiles to people’s faces.”
Ros said that the dogs delighted in the experience as much as the clients.
She said: “He absolutely loves it. It’s one of his favourite things to do. As soon as I get his bandana out his tail is wagging.”
Sean O’Sullivan (right with Noah), who brought five-year-old Noah along, said: “You only have to look at the patients, the visit has woken up the room. It’s given them something to focus on.”
One client, Jillian Edwards, said: “It was lovely meeting Rylie. I love dogs. I used to have them when I was little, years ago.”
And Jeff Martin, who was visiting his partner Jean, said: “I believe it’s a good concept. My partner enjoys dogs. We’ve got one at home and she can’t wait to come out and see her.
“As soon as she saw the dog, it lifted her. Any animal and she cheers up, particularly dogs a sit reminds her of her father, who used to breed them.”
