Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2706551 | Journal de Réadaptation Médicale : Pratique et Formation en Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation | 2009 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
Human beings have nurtured animals as pets since ancient times, a phenomenon which has increased over the last few decades. The search for affection is one of the main motivations behind the desire to have a pet animal so that it is highly contradictory to see this link disappear in older populations in nursing homes. The nursing home resident is cut off from his/her roots and enters a period of mourning, including mourning for the lost friendship of a faithful four-legged companion. There is a large body of research demonstrating the contribution of pets to a person's general health and psychological well-being. In geriatrics, we have noted that pets can even become catalysers, facilitating the physical and mental participation of the dependent person. After having used animals as therapeutic, educative and social tools in a medicosocial setting for several years, we have observed a major benefit for the patients, their families and the healthcare personnel.
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Authors
R. Kohler,