Reintroduction of effective therapy
Campdevànol Hospital has decided to reinstate dog-assisted therapy, a program designed to elevate the mood of patients requiring extended stays. This initiative, which began as a pilot test in 2014 and ran until the pandemic, has returned with the aim of providing emotional and physical support to users.
Emotional and physical benefits
According to Sonia Soler, a social worker at the center, the positive effects of this therapy are evident. “Interaction with animals not only improves mood, but also promotes fine motor skills and communication,” she emphasizes. This emotional connection between patients and the dog, in this case named Tuc, is essential for the program to function properly.
Patient experiences
Dolors Vilarrasa, a long-term patient, shares her experience: “When Tuc kisses me, my day is transformed. He brings a joy that I don’t find in other activities.” Carme, another user, expresses her affection for Tuc, a two-year-old labradoodle, as she takes care of him and enjoys his company during weekly sessions.
Activities designed for motivation
Therapy sessions are not just about playing, but also include activities designed to stimulate the mind and body. One of the dynamics consists of “fishing” for pieces with hidden messages, thus encouraging the attention and participation of the patients. Therapist Ariadna Parés explains that “the dog not only accompanies, but is also a catalyst that makes the activities much more attractive.”
Stable bond with the dog
One of the most important aspects of this therapy is the bond that is created between patients and Tuc. Consistency in sessions allows users to develop a relationship of trust and affection towards the animal, which is vital for their emotional improvement.
Improvement in communication and memory
As patients interact with Tuc, improvements can be observed in different cognitive aspects. The therapist highlights that “patients often begin to share memories from the past or talk about their animals, which helps them reconnect with meaningful moments in their lives.” This therapy is not only a form of entertainment, but a means of stimulating memory and communication skills.
A positive change in hospital routine
Sonia Soler points out that dog-assisted therapy is a valuable tool to break the monotony of long stays. “Many patients find themselves in situations of isolation and benefit enormously from this interaction, which provides positive stimuli and helps improve their quality of life,” she says.
A promising future
With only two months of operation, the evaluations of dog-assisted therapy by patients and their families are extremely positive. As the program continues, the Hospital de Campdevànol hopes to continue adapting the sessions to the individual needs of each patient, thus reinforcing its commitment to the emotional and physical well-being of users.
