Hospice News
West Orange, NJ – Beginning Wednesday, October 19, Paws for Patients, a hospice canine therapy program developed by Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center (BHHPCC), will host a four-session training program for individuals interested in volunteering to visit hospice patients and families with their certified-therapy dog(s). The program, which will be held in Essex County, is designed to give participants an understanding of the needs of patients and families who are coping with advanced illness. Program topics include Hospice History and Philosophy, Listening, and Bereavement. Upon completion of the program, volunteers will be connected with patients in close proximity to where they reside.
The training program will be offered at the following location. Attendees are asked not to bring their dog(s) to these sessions.
Essex County
- Beginning Wednesday, October 19, from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center, West Orange
“The therapeutic use of dogs in health care settings has been proven to help orient patients, especially those with dementia, to the present moment,” explains Lorraine Sciara, FACHE, Executive Director, BHHPCC. “Dogs increase relaxation, reduce feelings of isolation and even lower blood pressure in patients. We are pleased to be able to offer this wonderful program to our patients and families.”
To reserve seating or for more information, please contact Spiro Ballas at 973-322-4866 or sballas@barnabashealth.org.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the nationally-renowned Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center. Since its inception in 1981, its staff of trained professionals has provided comprehensive physical, emotional and spiritual care to more than 30,000 patients with advanced illness and their families. The program, which serves infants, children, adults and the elderly, honors the unique choices and values of patients and their families while offering full access to the broad array of services provided by Barnabas Health. For more information, please visit www.barnabashealthhospice.org.
Date: September 7, 2011
Contact:
Public Relations: ltortorello@barnabashealth.org
973-322-4924
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