hospice care in Westchester Archives

Pet Therapy in Hospice Care in Westchester County

What is pet therapy?

Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. In hospice care, pet therapy provides comfort, companionship, and emotional support for individuals. Unlike human interactions, which can be complex and unpredictable, animals offer a reliable source of comfort and unconditional acceptance.

Physical, mental, and emotional benefits of pet therapy for hospice care in Westchester NY

Pet therapy has been shown to provide numerous benefits for patients in hospice care in Westchester, improving their overall quality of life in multiple ways:

Physical benefits: Interacting with therapy animals can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Mental benefits: Engaging with animals can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in patients receiving hospice care.

Emotional benefits: Animals bring out a nurturing instinct, providing companionship and a sense of security. Many patients find solace in their presence, which can ease feelings of fear or isolation.

There are several forms of pet therapy used in hospice care, each tailored to meet different patient needs:

Canine therapy: Dogs are commonly used in hospice settings because of their gentle nature and ability to form strong emotional connections. Therapy Dogs International notes that therapy dogs are trained to sense and respond to the emotional needs of patients, providing much-needed comfort during difficult times

Feline therapy: Cats provide a calming presence and are ideal for patients who prefer a quieter companion.

Equine therapy: Some hospice programs offer interactions with horses, which can be especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues.

Small animal therapy: Rabbits, guinea pigs, and even birds are used to offer comfort and engagement for patients.

Pet therapy and stress reduction: What the research says

The National Library of Medicine highlights the effectiveness of pet therapy in reducing stress and enhancing well-being. Pet interactions can significantly decrease stress levels, improving overall emotional resilience.

Pet therapy offers a unique way to enhance well-being, making it an invaluable part of hospice care. By fostering companionship and emotional connection, we help patients and families find solace and peace during life’s most challenging moments. At Jansen Hospice, we’re committed to delivering compassionate, holistic care to every individual we serve.

If you or a loved one are considering hospice care in Westchester County NY and want to explore the benefits of pet therapy, our compassionate team is here to help. Contact Us today to learn more about how we incorporate pet therapy into our services.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy in Hospice Terminal Care At Home Westchester NY

Aromatherapy, often referred to as the “treatment using scents,” is a holistic and soothing approach that can greatly enhance the comfort and well-being of patients in long term hospice care. By using essential oils extracted from plants like lavender, peppermint, rose, and lemon, aromatherapy offers a natural way to alleviate discomfort, reduce stress, and improve overall quality of life in hospice settings. Here’s a look at how aromatherapy can be used as part of hospice at home in Westchester and its numerous benefits.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy uses botanical essential oils to treat various physical and emotional conditions. These oils can be inhaled directly, diffused in a room, or massaged into the skin. The soothing scents from oils like lavender or peppermint can positively affect mood and health, promoting relaxation, relieving pain, and alleviating symptoms like anxiety and fatigue. Aromatherapy works by stimulating the olfactory nerves, which communicate directly with the brain, helping to calm the nervous system and create a sense of well-being.

How aromatherapy benefits hospice care in Westchester

With hospice patients, the focus is on comfort, symptom relief, and maintaining dignity during the final stages of life. Aromatherapy, as a complementary therapy, plays an important role in addressing both physical and emotional needs of patients. Here are some key benefits:

Pain relief and symptom management: Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and peppermint have been shown to relieve various types of pain, including headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain. In private hospice Westchester settings, these oils can be applied topically or diffused to provide a calming effect and pain relief, allowing patients to feel more at ease in their final stages of life.
Alleviating anxiety and stress: Hospice patients often experience anxiety due to the uncertainty of their condition. Terminal care at home in Westchester County NY can be supported by the relaxing qualities of essential oils like lavender and bergamot. These oils help lower anxiety levels by soothing the mind and encouraging a sense of calm. Whether diffused into the air or used in massage, these oils can promote a peaceful environment conducive to relaxation and emotional well-being.
Improving sleep quality: For patients in Westchester at home hospice care who struggle with insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns, aromatherapy can provide relief. Oils such as lavender and sandalwood are known for their calming and sedative effects, helping patients fall asleep more easily and enjoy a more restful night. Restorative sleep can enhance overall health and provide vital rest during this challenging time.
Enhancing mood and reducing fatigue: As patients undergo terminal care at home in Westchester, essential oils like lemon and rosemary can invigorate the body and boost mood. These oils stimulate the nervous system and promote feelings of energy and positivity. In hospice care, essential oils can provide emotional support, alleviating the fatigue and emotional strain patients often feel as they navigate the later stages of life.
Promoting skin health: Essential oils like rose and frankincense offer nourishing properties that help improve skin health. In hospice care, patients’ skin may become more sensitive or dry due to limited mobility or treatments. Aromatherapy can provide relief by moisturizing and soothing the skin, helping patients feel more comfortable and cared for during their time at home.

Aromatherapy in terminal care at home Westchester

For families choosing at home hospice services, incorporating aromatherapy into the care plan can provide an additional layer of comfort. When combined with other supportive therapies, it can make a significant difference in the emotional and physical well-being of patients. Essential oils can be integrated into the daily routine in ways that support relaxation, ease pain, and provide gentle emotional relief. For more information on aromatherapy, read the following article from UCLAHealth.

Hospice providers offering terminal care at home Westchester County can work with families to create customized aromatherapy plans that cater to individual needs and preferences. Whether diffusing calming scents in the home or using oils in a bath or massage, aromatherapy offers a personalized and natural form of comfort during a sensitive time.

Choose Jansen Hospice for hospice care in Westchester

Aromatherapy is a valuable addition and provides a natural way to enhance quality of life for hospice patients. Through the soothing properties of essential oils, it supports pain relief, reduces anxiety, promotes better sleep, and improves emotional and physical well-being. If you or a loved one is in need of terminal care at home Westchester, consider incorporating aromatherapy into the care plan to experience its many benefits in a private, supportive environment.

The Healing Power of Pet Therapy in Hospice Care

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