Dog handlers' experiences of therapy dogs' impact on life near death for persons with dementia

• BACKGROUND:: Persons with dementia may have severe physical and psychological symptoms at the end of life. A therapy dog used in their care can provide comfort and relieve their anxiety. The dog handler guides the dog during the interaction with the patient.AIM:: To describe the impact of therapy dogs on people with dementia in the final stages of life from the perspective of the dog handler.METHODS:: Interviews were conducted and analysed using qualitative content analysis.FINDINGS:: The dog provides comfort and relief through its presence and by responding to the physical and emotional expressions of the dying person.CONCLUSIONS:: Interactions with dogs were found to have a positive impact on persons with dementia and eased the symptoms associated with end of life according to the dog handlers.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Animal-assisted therapy

Dementia

Palliative care

Therapy dog

Health and Welfare

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ref (ämneskategori)

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