Regional One Health is partnering with Mid South Therapy Dogs to provide animal therapy services for our patients.
Animal therapy is shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve response to therapy, and more.
On top of that, it provides an emotional boost for patients, allowing them to focus on something positive during a difficult time.
State-of-the-art medicine, expert providers, and cutting-edge technology can all help people heal after an injury or illness. Now, Regional One Health is adding man’s best friend to that list.
Regional One Health’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital has partnered with Mid South Therapy Dogs to offer animal therapy to enhance patients’ physical and mental wellbeing.
“We always say, ‘Not all medicine comes in a bottle,’” said Mary Ehrhart, executive director of Mid South Therapy Dogs.
“Animal therapy is a way to give people something positive to focus on during a difficult time. So much of a patient’s time is spent on their medical care, and having the animal therapy visits allows them to think about something positive for a while.”
At a recent visit to Regional One Health, Otis, a Bernese Mountain Dog, was that source of positivity. Joined by his handler Amy Chatham, Otis met with patients and staff at the Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital.
Chatham said animal therapy can improve patients’ response to therapy, provide encouragement to complete functional tasks, and give them an emotional boost.
Otis recently visited patients and staff in our Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital, where he will participate in patient selected therapy activities to enhance the current programming in the Medical Program, Brain Injury Program, and Spinal Cord Program.
“Animal interactions, especially in a hospital setting, are shown to provide health benefits like reduced stress and anxiety, as well as lower blood pressure,” she noted.
“Mental health benefits have also been shown, including increased social and verbal interactions and self-esteem, decreased feelings of depression and loneliness, and overall increased feelings of happiness and wellbeing.”
At Regional One Health, Otis will participate in patient selected therapy activities to enhance the current programming in the Medical Program, Brain Injury Program, and Spinal Cord Program. Otis will also be spending time with patients in the Subacute/Skilled Nursing Unit at Regional One Health.
Regional One Health Rehabilitation Hospital Therapy Manager Lisa Mantaro said there are many positive mental and physical health benefits of animal visits and participation in therapy.
The simple act of petting animals is linked to an automatic relaxation response and the release of mood elevating hormones, she noted, and even short-term exposure to dogs has been demonstrated to provide beneficial physiological and psychosocial effects.
Regional One Health is proud to partner with Mid South Therapy Dogs for this exciting opportunity.