Patients in Cardiff experiencing mental health problems have benefited from a new therapy session using pets.
Pets As Therapy have been visiting the Iorwerth Jones Centre in Llanishen since the start of the summer to provide therapy sessions using pets with the aim of improving the wellbeing of patients.
Volunteer Anne Barkley from Pets As Therapy has been visiting the centre every week with Pippa the dog, with the experience meeting the needs of the patients on a variety of levels.
For some patients the sensory aspect, such as stroking the dog, can be meaningful and for other patients, it could be the memory of a family pet which may ignite a conversation and allow them to express their experiences and memories. The sessions have also proved beneficial for those patients at the Centre who have shown little engagement in other activities.
The presence of Pippa the dog seems to command a sense of relaxation and excitement that involves a common theme for staff and patients to engage in together.
Simone Lewis, Therapy Technician said; “On seeing the Pets As Therapy dog, some patients immediately smile from across the room. We have also had carers visit the unit at the same time and they have been able to observe the positive experience it brings for their loved one. The therapy sessions have enabled staff to improve communication and interaction with the service users, and these visits have been a fantastic addition to the other interventions that we provide.”
The Iorwerth Jones Centre is a 45 bedded unit in the community of Llanishen, Cardiff. There are two wards for people with a dementia related illness who have behavioural and psychiatric symptoms requiring highly specialist care. These wards also provide rotational respite care for patients with high level need who are cared for at home to give their carers a regular two week break from the caring role.
