Pet therapy is one of the most appreciated activities among patients at the Casa Vidas hospice. A moment to take their minds off illness, rediscover their own physicality and devote time to themselves and others. After dogs and cats, this year a pony has joined too.
The presence of animals – dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and a pony – in the ward of the Casa Vidas hospice, in the relaxation area and in the rooms too, helps patients and their families take their minds off illness. Engaging in caring tasks, such as feeding or brushing the animals, allows patients to focus on the present moment as well as to switch their role from cared-for to carer. Stroking an animal makes it possible to rediscover physical contact, heightening awareness of one's own body and acting as an emotional release valve.
The Ministry of Health, in its guidelines for animal-assisted interventions, stresses that pet therapy can contribute to improving health through "targeted interventions to promote the achievement of physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive functions", alongside and complementing traditional medical therapies. Among the many benefits that have been demonstrated, contact with an animal has been shown to have an effect on reducing blood pressure and to help regulate heart rate. It also helps to exercise manual dexterity, even for those with limited mobility, by encouraging the movement of the upper limbs – for example when stroking the animal.
The "furry volunteers" who take part in pet therapy activities were selected on the basis of their suitability and have undergone extensive animal-handler training (around a year and a half of courses) to prepare them for such a demanding role. In 2018 a new arrival made its appearance in our corridors: the pony Trilly, who brings moments of happiness to patients, families and staff alike.
Silvia Carlini from the association Maith, which has been collaborating with Vidas for around 7 years to develop the project as a team, tells the story.
Pet therapy at Casa Vidas has a new star: Trilly, a magnificent and utterly charming pony. From the very moment she arrived at the facility, everyone was won over by her gentleness. A first greeting in the lounge where patients wait with their relatives, alongside Vidas staff and volunteers. Everyone is eager to take a keepsake photo: it is the first time a pony has ever entered a healthcare facility. What's more, she is also allowed into the rooms where patients who cannot get out of bed are waiting for her. And Trilly (just as the dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs trained for pet therapy before her) makes her way docilely along the corridors. Behind every door there are smiles and great emotion at this special encounter.
A member of staff plaits her mane into a beautiful braid. A moment's pause and a little affection does everyone good, giving them the chance to catch their breath and start again.
The work that goes into bringing a pony into a healthcare facility is truly considerable. The bond and trust between Trilly and her handler Daniela is evident from the calm and natural ease with which the animal moves through Casa Vidas and interacts with the people there.
As soon as Trilly leaves their rooms, patients phone their relatives at home to share the experience, and the question that never changes is: "When is Trilly coming back?" In the meantime, photos of the visit hang in every room, keeping them company until the next visit.
