Overview

Therapy dogs and other animals can be hugely beneficial for people with dementia, often helping to ease agitation and stimulate social interaction. This practical handbook contains everything carers and activity organisers need to know to introduce Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs) into the day-to-day care of people with dementia. After describing the particular benefits of AAIs for people with dementia, the author explains how to choose suitable animals, and highlights hygeine and safety issues to be aware of, including ways to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and infections. Techniques for introducing the animals into everyday care are provided, and the author also offers guidance on finding an AAI provider to set up a more formal therapeutic programme. Woven throughout are examples of good practice, and there are many photographs to illustrate AAI in action.

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9781849053600

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Author Information

Diane Hardiman is a Counsellor and Psychotherapist in private practice and has over 15 years' experience of using Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs) in her work. Her first therapy animal was a chinchilla called Bolly, closely followed by her first dog, a Kooikerhondje called Roxy. She currently works with her Kooikerhondjes, Jasper and Freya. She works with the Society of Companion Animal Studies, for which she teaches and writes articles on AAIs. She makes regular visits with Jasper to two centres for people with dementia, one of which has regular attendees and the other of which is a respite care centre. She lives in Southampton, UK.

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