|
|
Feline therapy and its use in elderly patients
Kašíková, Dominika ; Zita, Lukáš (advisor) ; Masopustová, Renata (referee)
The aim of this paper was to gather a scientific literature about the effects of Animal assisted interventions (AAI), specifically Feline therapy, with elderly patients.
The first part is devoted to AAI. At first, important terms concerning terminology, forms and types of AAI are explained. It also mentiones positive effects on humans, such as physical calming in a form of decrease in a blood presure, reduction of depressions and loneliness. The negatives associated with implementation AAI, such as representation in the legislature, a lack of studies demonstrating effectiveness, are outlined here. Also it mentiones AAI umbrella organizations on a local and an international level.
The second part deals specifically with Feline therapy, its forms and advantages over other AAI. This part is also dedicated to a selection of suitable animal for Feline therapy and the most used breeds of cats. The emphasis is placed on the certification process which every animal and breeder must undergo and on a risk of zoonoses that we have to client protect from.
In the third part is written about Feline therapy focused on an elderly clients. Characteritics of the client in the senior age is mentioned here and also the changes and challanges what belong to this phase of life. There are presented the effects of the presence of animals directly on the elderly patient and how Feline therapy may look like in practice. At the end there are presented organizations that use Feline therapy with elderly patients.
The cat may be used as a cotherapist just like a dog or a horse. Some patients like cats even more than other animals, because of their size and specific nature. Within Feline therapy regular visits to the target facilities are used or it is possible to place animal into a facility or a household of a patient. It depends on a willingness of a facility, its employees and especially the clients.
|
guest ::
