PERGINE. Improve well-being and quality of life of the elderly guests of protected facilities (Rsa) of via Pive and via Marconi in Pergine with the “Pet Therapy project” and thanks to positive interactions between patients and two specially trained dogs.
Thanks to a recent agreement between the Apsp “Santo Spirito – Montel Foundation”, which manages the two RSAs in Pergine, and the social cooperative “LavForLife” of San Vito di Pergine, founded by Aroldo Linari and evolution of the “Cani da Vita” group led by the Community of San Patrignano, a new project has been launched for the benefit of the elderly residents in the two protected structures.
«Having overcome the limits and restrictions linked to the pandemic period, the hospitality and entertainment sector has proposed a new activity and project: an activity which, thanks to the positive interaction and relationship between man and animal, can encourage, improve and maintain social skills. and movement of our elderly guests – explains the animator Alessia Boneccher project manager with Veronica Toller – Twice a week a group of 10-12 elderly people carry out simple activities and movements with the two dogs of the cooperative, who are then also taken to the other floors and departments of the RSA for brief contact with all the guests. A project that was explained to patients and family members with a series of meetings and short personal interviews, and which immediately garnered enthusiasm and full acceptance from everyone.”
Pet therapy at the two protected facilities is one of the many activities carried out by the “LavForLife” cooperative. «Ron and Blue are two 2.5 year old brother dogs of the Flat Coated Retriever breed (with black and smooth fur) already trained and particularly suitable for interacting with patients and fragile subjects or those with reduced movement capabilities – he explains Jade of the “LavForLife” cooperative – each dog, if trained and willing to follow the instructions given, can be directed towards a pet-therapy activity. Furthermore, these animals must be in full health and checked periodically by a veterinarian, and which have already interacted as best as possible in the past with elderly or disabled people.”
«After an initial two-month module (between April and May) we would like to propose and expand the pet-therapy activity in the autumn months – confirms the animator Alessia Boneccher – activity already carried out in the past by the APSP “S. Spirto – Montel Foundation” but which we would now like to propose again and relaunch with an ever greater involvement of our elderly guests and their families”.
