Pets and the Elderly

Here is an excellent "how-to" guide for initiating pet-facilitated therapy programs with the elderly. Pets and the Elderly is a practical book that explains how to implement carefully planned programs in residential and nursing homes and in geriatric and psychiatric hospitals, with pets in residence or as visitors. The authors review past research, building a strong case for the therapeutic use of pets in the rehabilitation of older persons. They also share innovative program suggestions, testimonials from participants of successful programs, a comprehensive questionnaire for program evaluation, and the advantages and disadvantages of using various pets, highlighting their therapeutic potential, the training and care required, and much more!

Cusack, Odean; Smith, Elaine

Contents A Brief Introduction to Animal-Facilitated Therapy - The Therapists' Casebook - The Human/Animal Bond - Training a Therapy Dog - Implementing Animal Therapy in the Institution - A Dog (or Cat) in Residence - Program Suggestions for Animal-Facilitated Therapy - Pet Visitation Programs - Therapy Dogs in Action - Animal-Facilitated Therapy in the Community - Non-Canine Therapists - Evaluating the Program - Bibliography and Selected Readings - Appendix I: Therapy Dogs International - Appendix II: Organizations Involved in Pet Therapy - Appendix III: Current Legislation - Appendix IV: JACOPIS Assessment Procedures