Application and Efficacy of Visitation Dog Therapy by Volunteers in the Care of the Aged - Interactive effect of three parties : senior people, volunteers and nursing home staff

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The effects and influencing factors of a visitation dog therapy program conducted by volunteers were qualitatively analyzed by the grounded theory approach.From January, 2002 to February, 2005, dog therapy program was held 37 times, out of which observers participated in the program 22 times. The participants in the program per visit were 9.5 volunteers, 9.4 therapy dogs, 25.7 senior people, and 4.8 staff members.The program consisted of the senior residents being introduced by staff members to the volunteers who were waiting in the hall and beginning to interact with the dogs. After watching performances by dogs, the seniors joined in group singing and activities involving use of their arms and legs. In the end, seniors returned to their living quarters, while volunteers and dogs saw them off.Quality analysis showed the following five beneficial effects to the aged from the dog visitation therapy program conducted by volunteers : (1)Outward expression of personal emotions, which tended to be repressed. (2)Improvement of physical activity elicited in response to dogs' actions. (3)Stimulation of active communication by sharing feeling with dogs. (4)Stimulation of interpersonal interactions by mediating capacity of dogs. (5)Recovery of integrity and confidence by recalling episodes with dogs.The efficacy of the program was found to be related to the following 6 factors : (1)Capacities of dogs and volunteers. (2)Effects of group activity program based on personal and close interaction. (3)Balance between dogs and senior people. (4)Selection of participants. (5)Ambience. (6)Standards and continuity of objectivity of volunteer groups.By opinion surveys of volunteers performed after completion of each program, the satisfaction rating averaged 3.9±0.53 (in the range of 1 to 5), showing that the program was satisfying for them.