By Samantha Walker, RN, DNP, CCM, FCM
In case management, the goal is always to provide patients with the best care and support, addressing their holistic needs. One innovative and increasingly popular approach to enhancing patient well-being is volunteer pet therapy. This therapy method involves animals visiting healthcare settings to offer comfort and companionship and can be particularly impactful when integrated into case management practices.
The Benefits of Pet Therapy
Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), leverages the innate human-animal bond to promote physical and emotional health. Here’s how pet therapy benefits individuals:
- Emotional Support:
Animals have a unique ability to provide unconditional love and comfort. For people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or loneliness, interacting with a therapy pet can offer significant emotional relief. The simple act of petting an animal can reduce stress levels and promote feelings of happiness and relaxation.
- Physical Health:
Engaging with therapy animals can encourage physical activity. For patients in rehabilitation or those with mobility issues, activities such as walking or playing with a therapy dog can be a gentle form of exercise that improves mobility and cardiovascular health. Additionally, the presence of animals has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate.
- Social Interaction:
Therapy animals can act as social catalysts, encouraging patients to interact with others. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may feel isolated, such as the elderly or those in long-term care facilities. The presence of an animal can make social interactions less intimidating and more enjoyable.
- Cognitive Benefits:
For patients with cognitive impairments, such as those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, pet therapy can provide mental stimulation and engagement. Activities like recalling the animal’s name, talking about pets from the past, or participating in structured interaction sessions can help maintain cognitive function and provide a sense of routine.
The Role of the Case Manager
Case managers are crucial in integrating pet therapy into client care plans. Here’s how they can effectively utilize this therapeutic approach:
- Assessment and Planning:
Case managers should assess the suitability of pet therapy for each patient. This includes evaluating the patient’s preferences, allergies, and any potential fears of animals. Once appropriate, the case manager can incorporate pet therapy into the patient’s care plan, outlining specific goals and expected outcomes.
- Collaboration with Volunteers:
Successful pet therapy programs rely on trained volunteers and their certified therapy animals. Case managers should establish connections with reputable pet therapy organizations to ensure that the volunteers and animals meet the necessary standards for safety and effectiveness.
- Monitoring and Evaluation:
Case managers must monitor the progress and impact of pet therapy on their patients. This involves regular check-ins with patients, caregivers, and therapy volunteers to gather feedback and assess the therapy’s effectiveness. Adjustments to the care plan should be made as needed to maximize benefits.
- Advocacy and Education:
Educating patients, families, and healthcare staff about the benefits of pet therapy is essential. Case managers can advocate for the inclusion of pet therapy in broader care strategies, highlighting its positive impact on client well-being and quality of life.
Case Study: Pet Therapy in Action
Consider a case where an elderly patient in a hospital setting experienced severe loneliness, depression, and withdrawal. The case manager, noticing these emotional challenges, arranged regular visits from my pet therapy dog, Remy, and me. Over time, the patient showed remarkable improvements in mood, dietary intake, and social interaction. The patient looked forward to Remy’s visits, participated more in group activities, and expressed renewed joy. The case manager documented those changes, shared the success story with the hospital, and encouraged wider adoption of pet therapy.
Volunteer pet therapy is valuable in the case manager’s toolkit, offering holistic benefits that address emotional, physical, social, and cognitive needs. By thoughtfully integrating pet therapy into care plans, case managers can enhance the quality of life for their patients, bringing comfort and companionship through the simple yet profound presence of animals. As this therapeutic approach continues to gain recognition, it can transform the landscape of patient care, one wagging tail or purring cat at a time.
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Bio: Dr. Samantha (Sam) Walker holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a Master of Science in Nursing Education, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and an Associates of Science in Nursing degrees from Indiana State University. Sam focused her evidence-based project on improving the lives of seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia and is currently working to complete her Family Nurse Practitioner certification. Sam won the 2023 CMSA National Case Manager of the Year award and was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, Lambda Sigma Chapter. She is also a member of several professional organizations and serves as a national board member for the Case Management Society of America and the local president for the Central Indiana chapter. Sam is a Certified Case Manager with an extensive background working with seniors and in managed insurance. During her nursing career, she has created multiple successful centralized, corporate managed care departments (statewide and nationally) resulting in significant revenue growth and has a proven track record for significant claims resolution and recovery activities. Sam is also the Founder and President of her company, Managed Care Consultants, LLC. She is a mother of two and a grandmother of two. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family (including her two dogs), traveling, boating, golfing, spending time outdoors, helping others, and continuing her education. Sam is a seasoned presenter locally, nationally, and internationally.