My name is Michele and this is Ellie Mae the Therapy dog. We are a team who volunteers at two Anderson County elementary schools. We work with the school counselors there. They bring students to us who need to work on their confidence in reading or maybe just some extra encouragement for that day. Sometimes as a reward for being extra good. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend time with Ellie Mae ??
Prisma Health SeniorCare PACE provides comprehensive care for elderly participants, including healthcare, therapies, social activities, and medication management. Upstate Therapy Dog members participate in monthly therapy dog visits at PACE, bringing physical, emotional, and social benefits to everyone. You must be a Prisma Health Volunteer to participate in a dog therapy visit at PACE.
Here are some key points about dog therapy in senior care programs:
– Interaction with therapy dogs helps reduce loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
– Petting a dog can lower blood pressure and encourages movement.
– Dogs often spark conversations among participants and staff.
– Engaging with a dog can jog participants’ memories and recall of past experiences with pets.
– Interacting with therapy dogs gives participants a sense of purpose and offers a pleasant break from their usual routine.
Kylie, Jesse and Murphy have become a constant and peaceful reprieve for the the participants and staff at PACE. If one of the dogs is absent during a visit, one of our therapy dog members will be asked if they’re doing okay. They truly look forward to spending time with the dogs. Interested in following therapy dog Murphy’s journey from rescue pup to certified therapy dog? Follow along on his Instagram account: pawsitively.murphy
Here are a few pictures:
