Hospice News
Livingston, NJ -- “It’s rewarding to bring a dog in and see people’s faces light up,” says Livingston resident, Evie Posner, describing visits she makes to hospice patients with her three-year-old Goldendoodle, Chloe. Evie and Chloe are a volunteer team with Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center’s Paws for Patients canine therapy program in West Orange. The duo, who have been Paws volunteers since the program’s inception in 2009, visit patients in their homes or in nursing homes or assisted living residences.
Evie describes Chloe as a dog “with manners.” “She’s very friendly, calm and listens well,” she says of her canine companion. When Evie discovered information about Paws volunteer opportunities at a local dog park, the mother of three teenagers knew instinctively that her dog would be a perfect fit.
“One of our most memorable experiences as a volunteer team was when we visited a patient in his home who wasn’t leaving his bedroom very much,” explains Evie. “After several visits he began to leave his room to spend time with Chloe. Soon he was up and dressed, greeting us at the door when we arrived, armed with a frisbee, ready to play outside with Chloe. These are the times when you know you are truly making a difference.”
For more information about Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center’s Paws for Patients canine therapy program, please call 973-322-4800 or visit www.barnabashealthhospice.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 the Barnabas Health. For more information, please visit www.barnabashealthhospice.org.
Date: September 16 , 2011
Contact:
Public Relations: ltortorello@barnabashealth.org
973-322-4924
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