Pet therapy is a beneficial treatment for seniors with mental, physical and emotional health concerns. According to UCLA research, “even a few hours at a time with an animal can help stave off depression and loneliness, and even lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.” Paw Pals Therapy Dog Unit, Cape Town, SA Paw Pals Therapy Dog Unit regularly comes to the HSFA Frail Care Support Centre to visit our residents, some of whom are suffering from dementia. Seeing our resident’s faces light up when they stroked the smiling dog really made our day! www.pawpals.co.za#pettherapy
The HSFA has a firm commitment to provide and train staff with exceptional service standards to ensure top care for all residents. We are proud to announce that our Clinical Nurse Natasha Hjelden recently achieved Cum Laude in her Palliative exam completed through the HPCA Hospice Palliative Care Assn.
Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing problems associated with life threatening illness by the means of early identification and ‘impeccable’ assessment and treatment of pain and other problems – physical, psychosocial and spiritual.
“People assume one has to go to hospice if you have cancer, chronic or terminal illnesses. However with Palliative care, the elderly person will have a better quality of life through early identification of the illness, the ‘impeccable’ symptom control, pain management and its holistic approach.” says Natasha.
Pet therapy is a beneficial treatment for seniors with mental, physical and emotional health concerns. According to UCLA research, “even a few hours at a time with an animal can help stave off depression and loneliness, and even lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.” Paw Pals Therapy Dog Unit, Cape Town, SA Paw Pals Therapy Dog Unit regularly comes to the HSFA Frail Care Support Centre to visit our residents, some of whom are suffering from dementia. Seeing our resident’s faces light up when they stroked the smiling dog really made our day! www.pawpals.co.za #pettherapy
