Animal Assisted Therapy
...This way, the therapy is beneficial to the animal as well as both human age groups Key Features of Animal Assisted Therapy ~Specific goals and objectives for each person ~Progress is measured Some Examples of Animal Assisted Therapy Used in Medical Settings: · Pet therapy has helped disabled pre-schoolers at Shriner’s hospital speak their first intelligible words by interacting with animals and giving basic commands · A child who has difficulty developing fine motor skills becomes able to manipulate buckles and clasps on leashes and collars, open and close doors on animal carriers, able to open treat bags and pick up the small pieces of food to feed to the animal. · Elderly person recovering from a stroke with limited standing and walking tolerance. Physical therapist puts dog onto a table across the room so that the patient has to walk across the room and stay standing in order to pet the animal. This can then turn into going for short walks with the animal using a double lead with assistance from a trainer or care aide. · Young adult using a prosthetic arm for the first time can practice using and manipulating the arm while petting or brushing AAT pet. Can practice using hand gestures for commands and even opening treat bags. Goals of AAT: Physical: · Improve fine motor schools · Improve wheelchair skills · Improve standing balance Mental Health · Increase verbal interactions · Increase attention skills · Develop leisure/recreation skills · Increases self-esteem · Reduces anxiety ...