Over the past several years, residents at Maristhill have enjoyed
spending "quality" time with animals, thanks to Activities Director Bill Driscoll and Dawn
Cordeiro, who runs “Farm Visits” in Rehoboth, MA.
Farm Visits is a traveling petting farm, enabling people to interact with
a wide range of “farm” animals.
As you may know, interaction with animals has numerous positive effects
on well-being.
In fact,
studies have shown that regular visits with pets can have positive physical,
emotional, and mental benefits for the elderly, especially those living in
nursing or long-term care facilities.
Physical
benefits include lowering blood pressure, lowering heart rate, and reducing
overall stress.
Emotional
benefits include reducing anxiety and depression, and decreasing loneliness
through regular social interaction with the pets.
Going to the Dogs!
This month Maristhill has added an additional program to their monthly
rotation, provided by Therapy Dogs
International (TDI®).
TDI is a volunteer organization dedicated to
regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their volunteer
handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, other
institutions and wherever
else therapy dogs are needed.
This type of therapy is consistent with Maristhill’s practice of
holistic care, addressing each resident’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Staff, residents, and a special visitor are getting ready
for the annual Halloween party at Maristhill Nursing & Rehabilitation
Center. 
