Companion animals in palliative care: Stories from the bedside

Abstract

Research has shown that a companion animal or pet can help a person better cope with stressful life events, prevent loneliness, decrease depression, improve activities of daily living (ADLs), and increase social interactions. Pets in nursing homes have been associated with decreased psychotropic medication usage and a greater than 50 percent reduction in healthcare costs. Despite research in other areas of healthcare, there is limited data concerning the use of companion animals in palliative care. This article presents an overview of companion-animal-associated medical research as well as patient stories that illustrate the roles of companion animals in end-of-life care.

Companions in Presence: Animal Assistants and Eldercare

“…The animals can help alleviate significant stressors that the elderly experience with the disruption of familiar routines, and loss of jobs, friends, family, health, independence, mobility (Geisler 2004, p. 285). Geisler's (2004) study validates the anecdotal evidence suggested in this pastoral theological reflection as animal companions give renewed possibility for volunteers; reach places (on beds close to patients) that form bonds for patients and the animals; stimulate memories for patients with dementia; facilitate story-telling, grieving, and remembering for patients and family members.…”

“…287-288). These suggestions inform practice in the hospice setting (Geisler 2004). They also offer helpful guidance for spiritual caregivers and other pastoral leaders planning animal-assisted care programs with elderly adults.…”

“…Annette M. Geisler (2004) has analyzed the merits of pets in palliative care settings. This study charts the actual stories of hospice volunteers and patients who have benefitted from animal companions.…”

The Short Attachment to Pets Scale (SAPS) for Children and Young People: Development, Psychometric Qualities and Demographic and Health Associations

“…Some studies indicate that pet owners feel close to their pets and search for and enjoy this closeness (Hall et al 2004;Kurdek 2008;Prato-Previde et al 2006). Furthermore, they consider pets to provide a sense of safety, supplying their owners with relief, support, affection, and comfort when it is needed (Allen et al 2002;Geisler 2004;Kurdek 2008;Odendaal and Meintjes 2003). Pets can also be seen as a safe base from which their owners might gain the confidence to take part in activities, pursue opportunities, take risks and explore the wider world (Cusack 1988;McNicholas and Collis 1995).…”

Pet Attachment Quastionnaire: Validity and Reliability Study

“…Evcil hayvan ve insan arasındaki ilişkiyi konu alan araştırmalarda bağlanmanın özellikleri olması dikkat çekicidir. Evcil hayvandan ayrılmanın kaygıya veya evcil hayvan kaybının yasa yol açtığı (Hunt, Al-Awadi ve Johnson, 2008;Kwong ve Bartholomew, 2011;Schaffer, 2009;Wrobel ve Dye, 2003), evcil hayvanla yakınlığı korumanın önemli diğerleriyle yakınlığı korumayla benzer olduğu (Hall ve ark., 2004;Kurdek, 2008;Prato-Previde, Fallani ve Valsecchi, 2006); kaygı verici durumdayken bireylerin evcil hayvanlarını destek mekanizması olarak gördükleri ve bu durumda olan bireylerin evcil hayvanlarına bağlanma düzeylerinin daha yüksek olduğu (Albert ve Bulcroft, 1988;Allen, Balscovich ve Mendes, 2002;Geisler, 2004) gösterilmiştir. Dolayısıyla, kuramsal ve görgül arka plan evcil hayvana bağlanmanın, bir bağlanma yaşantısı olduğunu desteklemektedir.…”