Kontakt 2008, 10(Supl 2):96-98

Experience with canistherapy in our facilityPraktické poznámky využití canisterapie

Svatava Miklová

ÚSP Máj, České Budějovice

The theme of my contribution is: "Experience with canistherapy in our facility".
Canistherapy in ÚSP Máj is in operation since September 2004. Activities practised within the scope of AAA (Animal Assisted Activities) are implemented as a form of the group therapy under supervision of volunteers from the Training Canistherapeutic Association Hafík, with a participation of the healthcare personnel.
Immobile clients, persons with dementia, but also quite self-sufficient clients are included into canistherapy.
Targets considered in our facility were the reasons for starting this therapy. We attempt to enhance the life quality of seniors, to provide their activation, to moderate feelings of loneliness and to affect physical, mental and social problems.
Canistherapy in geriatric facilities is based on a knowledge that animal is the most reliable and frequently only one friend of man in loneliness. Possibility of having an animal at home or at least to have a chance to meet it for example in the old people's house is beneficial mainly for maintaining the equilibrium of the emotional, social and mental life.
In our clients, we successfully induced the interest in canistherapy. We consider canistherapy as a social affair. Dogs became a new theme of conversation. Our seniors are more active. They are interested in walking with dogs and participating in dog exhibitions. Their mood was improved. They consider dogs visiting us as their new friends, which it is possible to spend time with.
Our experience with canistherapy is very good. Our clients have improved mood and feelings of happiness, enjoyment and satisfaction.

Keywords: Worthy old age; active old age; role of dog; canistherapy; AAA; indication groups of clients; experience

Received: December 10, 2007; Accepted: January 30, 2008; Published: February 25, 2008  Show citation