Promoting Wellness Through Integrative Therapies: Discover Pet Therapy

Integrative therapies that emphasize holistic care and wellness are increasingly being recognized for their ability to improve the quality of life and overall well-being of individuals residing in skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities. At Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center (Candlewood Valley), we value the role that these therapies can play in our residents’ lives and are proud to offer pet therapy as a unique and engaging component of our comprehensive care services.

Animal therapy utilizes the remarkable power of human-animal interactions to support individuals’ emotional, mental, and physical health. Through the use of specially trained therapy animals, Candlewood Valley aims to provide a sense of companionship, comfort, and support to our residents, assisting them in achieving their rehabilitation goals and enhancing their overall well-being.

In this blog post, we will explore the various benefits that pet therapy can offer to residents at Candlewood Valley. We will also discuss how our dedicated team of healthcare professionals collaborates with therapy animals and their handlers to ensure that each resident’s unique needs are met and that they experience the maximum benefit from their interaction with these special companions.

At Candlewood Valley, our commitment to providing innovative, high-quality care services drives us to continually seek out new and exciting ways to improve the lives of our residents. Our pet therapy program is just one example of our dedication to finding unique approaches that support our residents in their journey to recovery and overall wellness.

The Healing Power of Animals: Understanding the Benefits of Pet Therapy

The use of pet therapy in healthcare settings has gained widespread recognition in recent years, with numerous studies highlighting the mental, emotional, and physical benefits that can result from interactions with therapy animals. At Candlewood Valley, we have embraced these findings and integrated pet therapy into our services to help enhance the well-being of our residents. Some of the key benefits of pet therapy for residents at Candlewood Valley include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety: Interacting with therapy animals has been shown to decrease cortisol levels while increasing serotonin levels, resulting in a natural reduction of stress and anxiety.
• Improved mood and emotional well-being: The unconditional love and companionship provided by therapy animals can improve residents’ moods and provide comfort, particularly for those struggling with feelings of loneliness or isolation.
• Enhanced socialization: Group pet therapy sessions can promote social interactions and encourage communication between residents, fostering camaraderie and connection among participants.
• Physical health benefits: Pet therapy can help improve motor skills, balance, and mobility for residents engaging in gentle physical activities such as walking or grooming therapy animals.
• By incorporating pet therapy into our holistic care approach, we aim to create an environment where the healing power of animals can foster a sense of well-being and enhance the overall quality of life for our residents.

Customized Animal Therapy Experiences: Tailoring Sessions to Individual Needs

Candlewood Valley recognizes that each resident’s needs and preferences are unique, which is why our pet therapy program is designed to be flexible and adaptable. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals works closely with therapy animal handlers to create personalized pet therapy sessions tailored to the specific needs and interests of each participating resident.

In doing so, we ensure that the therapy sessions are enjoyable, engaging, appropriate, and individually beneficial. Examples of personalized pet therapy sessions may include:

• One-on-one visits: For residents who prefer more individualized attention, one-on-one visits with therapy animals can provide companionship, comfort, and solace.
• Group sessions: Residents may participate in group pet therapy sessions that encourage socialization and camaraderie among participants as they engage in activities such as petting, grooming, or playing with the therapy animals.
• Goal-oriented sessions: In instances where a resident has a specific therapeutic goal (such as improving fine motor skills), pet therapy sessions can be designed to focus on activities that target the desired outcome (e.g., brushing or feeding an animal).

By taking a personalized approach to therapy, Candlewood Valley can maximize the therapeutic benefits for residents while respecting their individual needs and preferences.

A Collaborative Approach: Integrating this Therapy into Comprehensive Care

At Candlewood Valley, our interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality care to our residents. This commitment is evident in our approach to integrating this therapy into residents’ overall care plans.

Our team closely collaborates with therapy animal handlers, sharing information and insights regarding each resident’s unique needs, goals, and progress. This collaboration ensures the smooth, seamless incorporation of pet therapy sessions that complement and enhance the overall care experience at Candlewood Valley.

Family Involvement: Sharing the Joy of Pet Therapy

Recognizing the importance of family in a resident’s well-being, Candlewood Valley encourages family members to participate in pet therapy sessions when appropriate. This involvement not only promotes stronger connections between residents and their loved ones but also enables families to witness and share in the joy that therapy animals can bring to their relatives.

By fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, we ensure that pet therapy’s benefits extend to all participants, enhancing the overall family experience at Candlewood Valley.

Enhancing Lives Through Pet Therapy at Candlewood Valley

The pet therapy program at Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center demonstrates our dedication to providing innovative, integrative therapies that enrich the lives of our residents. Through the therapeutic power of animals, we enhance residents’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being, creating a more holistic approach to their rehabilitation journey.

If you or a loved one are seeking a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility that offers comprehensive, engaging programs like pet therapy, we invite you to explore Candlewood Valley. Contact us today to learn more about our pet therapy program and the difference it can make in the lives of our residents. Our caring professionals are ready to provide you with the support and insights you need to find the ideal care solution for yourself or your loved one.

Contact Candlewood Valley today at (860) 355-0971 or contact us through our website.