6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ANIMALHUMAN CONNECTION
Teri Kennedy, PhD, MSW, LCSW, ACSW Director, Office of Gerontological Social Work Initiatives, School of Social Work, Arizona State University Learning Objectives:
Understand the research and knowledge we have about postive connections between animals and humans. Understand how these positive connections can enhance the lives of both animals and humans. Describe non-pharmacologic strategies that can be implemented to reduce agitation in adults living in residential care
DISCLOSURE OF COMMERCIAL SUPPORT Teri Kennedy, PhD, MSW, LCSW, ACSW does not have a significant financial interest or other relationship with manufacturer(s) of commercial product(s) and /or provider(s) of commercial services discussed in this presentation.
The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Teri Kennedy, PhD, MSW, LCSW, ACSW Director, Office of Gerontological Social Work Initiatives Arizona State University/School of Social Work
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Geriatric Behavioral Health: Treating the Whole Person April 24, 2013 Tucson, AZ
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Office of Gerontological Social Work Initiatives
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I had my first pet at the age of three (Kitty) I always brought home stray cats and begged my father to let me keep them I had a cherished dog for 19 years (Tula) I served as a geriatric social worker in home, community, residential, and in-patient medical and geropsychiatric settings for 17 years I regularly encountered the rewards and challenges faced by older adults and their pets A neighbor mentored me regarding the role a health provider can play to help older adults maintain connections with animals
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I now have a beloved companion animal (Sumi)
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“The relationship between people and animals is a link between the natural world and ourselves; it bonds us to other living beings and can provide us with much of what we want from other humans.” Disenfranchised Grief and the Loss of an Animal Companion, Meyers, B. (2002)
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Dogs were part of human society around the end of the Ice Age Small dog skeletons have been unearthed in human communities as far back as 6-12 thousand years ago in Europe, the Middle East, and China.
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Human-Animal Relationship Continuum
Animal abuse
Negative Positive
Use
Pet
Family
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Deification
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Where we fall depends partly on type of animal
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Pervasiveness of animals in our lives and culture? ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
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Advertising Movies/TV Books Toys Music Other?
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Research shows many benefits to animal-human interactions and to having companion animals
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Research suggests that older adults live longer, healthier, happier lives when they interact with companion animals on a regular basis Rebecca A. Johnson
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Companion animals:
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◦ buffer against the development, or slow the progression, of coronary heart disease (Fine, 2000)
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◦ decreased stress
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(Allen et al., 2002)
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◦ lower heart rate and reduce blood pressure children (Friedman, Katcher, Thomas, Lynch, & Messent, 1983)...
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(Allen et al., 1983)
The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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21% fewer visits to the doctor
Seniors take better care of themselves
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Marta describes her companion animal as being a source of fun and stress relief when she relates that:
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“what is really cute is like I get home from work, I’m so tired, mentally drained...and when I get home from work he’ll grab his ball and he’ll chase me with it and he’ll start hitting me with the ball so I can play with him and that takes my mind off a lot of things.”
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In 1980, a clinical research project at Brooklyn College, New York, studied heart-disease patients after their discharge from the hospital. The project tracked each survivor, studying their medical histories, lifestyles, families, relationships - every documentable detail. "The presence of a pet was the strongest social predictor of survival...not just for lonely or depressed people, but everyone - independent of marital status and access to social support from human beings."
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Aaron Katcher, M.D.
The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Depending on the animal, older adults become more active
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◦ Have to get up and move around to care for the animal
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◦ Dog walking/playing
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◦ Petting/stroking
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European advertising campaign shows how older adults can boost their health and activity levels by spending time with pets Highlights the various ways in which animals bring companionship and pleasure, as well as many other benefits to those in a later stage of life. Motto: “Animals are good for us, be good to them. We care”
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International Federation for Animal Health Europe
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Other animals act as social lubricants Easier to make friends/enhanced social opportunities
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Animals can be an antidote for depression Pets ease the loss of a loved one Pets fight loneliness
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A visit from a therapy cat or dog breaks the daily routine of life and stimulates interest in the world outside.
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Pets provide social interaction.
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In an in-patient or residential facility, people come out of their rooms to socialize with the animals and with one another.
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Pets offer affection and unconditional love
A sense of security
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Women identified receiving friendship, fun, love, comfort, and/or constancy either for themselves, their children, or both, and protection from their animal companions.
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Risley-Curtiss et al (2006b)
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Animals
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Children
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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In 2007, 71.1 million households reported having companion animals
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Dogs and cats are found in at least 1 out of 3 U.S. households
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Most Americans consider their pets as family
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63% of pet owners tell their pets “I love you” at least once a day
59% celebrate their pets birthdays
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78% talk to their pets in a voice different from their regular one
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83% refer to themselves as their pets “Mom” or “Dad”
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52% believe their pet listens to them better than their spouses or significant others
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90% would not consider dating someone who disliked their pet
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36% have named someone as a future guardian of their pets
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52% are better at remembering the names of their neighbor’s pet than that of the actual neighbor
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Animals can also exhibit humorous behaviors.
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Elicit laughter & joy: two ingredients that positively impact people’s quality of life.
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So not only can animals bring warmth but also joy and a smile.
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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The presence of an animal may also become a catharsis–holding or petting a cat, dog or bunny can provide physical comfort and soothe a person.
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It is also more legitimate to express certain emotions to animals–for example it is acceptable for men show nurturing behaviors and emotions to animals.
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They seem to bring a certain sense of warmth and safety to the environment (institutions, offices etc).
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The perceived environment appears more friendly and comfortable to clients–e.g., the presence of a fish tank or a resident pet.
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Pets can help Alzheimer’s patients by bringing them back to the present.
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Specially trained pups can also help alert others that an Alzheimer’s patient has wandered into harm’s way.
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For women especially, having a dog contributes Christina Risley-Curtiss to one’s sense of safety.
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Everyone has the need to touch. Many humans are uncomfortable hugging or touching strangers, even those close to them. Some people are alone and have no hands to hold, no bodies to hug. Rubbing the fur of a cat or dog can provide a stimulation that is sorely lacking. The nonverbal connection is invaluable in the healing process.
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Other animals can be our mentors, teachers, and guides.
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Other animals offer us the unique opportunity to transcend the human perspective. Unlike human teachers, other animals can only impart their wisdom by example, and we learn from them by observation.
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Companion animals embody an unconditional love that remains unchanged in the face of our shape, size, age, race, or gender.
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Laughter Love Companionship Structure Responsibility A feeling of being needed Acceptance Assistance Lessons
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Basic care
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◦ physical ability to provide care
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◦ financial ability to purchase pet food & supplies
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•Veterinary care •ability to get to the to the veterinarian’s office
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•financial ability to pay for medical care •Spay and neutering •Vaccinations •Routine examinations •Emergency care •Medical care
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•ability to afford and provide follow-up care
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Moving into retirement & eldercare communities, and residential facilities
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◦ No pet policies
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◦ Inability to continue to adequately care for pets
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◦ Care of a pet following the death of the elder
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Learn about available resources Be creative/collaborative when a resource is not readily available Learn about therapeutic animal resource options Learn about service, companion, and emotional support animals Learn about the Fair Housing Act and the role of healthcare providers in supporting eligibility for a companion animal Advocate for changes in policy and practice in facility and residential care Learn about resources to help deal with the loss of an animal Learn about resources for when the caregiver dies or is no longer able to care for the animal
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Meals on Wheels Association of America A national initiative that unites Meals on Wheels programs across the country with efforts to keep seniors and their beloved pets well nourished. Funding provided through Banfield Cheritable Trust’s Season of Suppers campaign
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Food for People’s Pets
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◦ Collects and distributes cat and dog food to area food banks in Tucson ◦ http://www.hermitagecatshelter.org/node/48 for program information and locations to drop off donated cat or dog food
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Green Valley Food Bank
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◦ (520) 625-5252
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Pet Loss Support Group
Vaccinations
Spay & Neuter
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◦ 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month ◦ Email:
[email protected] Website: www.hssaz.org/partners_pet_loss.html
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◦ Special funding available ◦ See also Animal Welfare League of Southern Arizona
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Animal Relinquishment
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◦ When no longer able to keep your pet ◦ Allow 15-45 minutes for your relinquishment appointment. Please call (520) 321-3711 to make an appointment. Please note that we are unable to pick up animals. ◦ http://www.hssaz.org/site/PageServer?pagename=as_relinquishment
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Pet adoptions Found pets Dog licensing (senior, disabled, and low income discounts)
Animal rescue
No cost spay & neuter clinics
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Off leash dog parks Dog training classes List of animal laws & ordinances:
◦ http://www.pimaanimalcare.org/phs/aw_code.asp
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http://www.pimaanimalcare.org/
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◦ http://www.pimaanimalcare.org/petowners/new.asp
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◦ http://www.pimaanimalcare.org/services/rescuegrps.asp (partnering groups) ◦ http://www.pimaanimalcare.org/petowners/spayneuter.pdf (Animal Welfare Alliance of Southern Arizona)
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All volunteer group of therapy animal teams registered with the international non-profit Pet Partners ® (formerly the Delta Society) A therapy animal is someone’s pet, who with their handler, have been screened to be appropriate to visit people in places where animals are traditionally not allowed Take trained pets to visit patients in local hospitals, hospices, and assistedliving centers http://www.therapyanimalsaz.org/
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Free spay & neuter services to pet owners in underserved and economically depressed areas
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http://www.awasa.org/awasa/index.php?opti on=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid =64
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No-kill, no cage cat sanctuary and adoption center Trap, neuter, return Continuing cat care Adoptions Cans for Cats
http://www.hermitagecatshelter.org/
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Pets for the Elderly Foundation
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◦ www.petsfortheelderly.org
Non-profit organization that pays a portion of the adoption fee for elders adopting a companion animal from one of their 52 participating shelters in 29 states Includes Santa Cruz Humane Society, Nogales, AZ
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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No-kill animal shelter
Adoption of cats and dogs
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http://hopeanimalshelter.net/
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Therapeutic Riding: Back in the Saddle
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy
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◦ Able-bodied adult riders over 14 years of age
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◦ A treatment approach that provides the client with opportunities to enhance self-awareness and repattern maladaptive behaviors, feelings, and attitudes. ◦ It may involve, but is not limited to, a number\ of mutually beneficial equine activities such as leading, grooming, longing, riding round pen activities, and mindfulness.
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http://www.handi-dogs.org/
Service/Assistance Dogs
◦ Mission: To promote independence, freedom, health, & dignity for seniors & people with disabilities through the use of trained dogs ◦ Individually trained to assist an individual with a disability ◦ Have public access rights if properly trained
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Therapy Dogs
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Pet Dogs
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◦ Used for visiting animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other facilities ◦ Help seniors & people with disabilities train their pets to be well-behaved companions
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
___________________________________ Companion Animal Association of Arizona, Inc. ◦ Therapy Dog Requirements: Always under control and responsive to basic obedience commands, consistently exhibit good manners, minimum 1 year old ◦ In 1983 Arizona state legislation was passed enabling elderly residents in public housing to keep pets. ◦ 1984 brought an amendment to the law allowing pet ownership by disabled persons in public housing. ◦ CAAA acted in a "watchdog" capacity to ensure that these new rights were upheld. ◦ http://www.caaainc.org/index.htm
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Extremely effective in ameliorating the symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder through therapeutic nurture and support
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___________________________________ Recently signed by the Governor:
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H2355: license fees; working dogs; waiver
◦ House Summary 4/3/2013: ◦ http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/51leg/1r/summary/ h.hb2355_04-03-13_astransmittedtogovernor.pdf
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H2401: service animal; definition
◦ House Summary 4/4/2013: ◦ http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/51leg/1r/summary/ h.hb2401_04-03-13_astransmittedtogovernor.pdf
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Right for reasonable accommodations necessary to afford a person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling
Right to emotional support animals in “no pet” housing
Request an exception to the landlord’s no pet rule
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Requires a letter from a service provider (e.g., therapist, physician, psychiatrist, rehabilitation counselor)
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www.bazelon.org
___________________________________ Josefine Gittler, University of Iowa law professor:
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Encourages nursing homes to expand their polices so residents can keep their animals
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Encourages states to change laws and regulations to make it easier for nursing home residents to keep their pets
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Support Groups Hotlines Websites Pet Cemetaries
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◦ Pet Haven Memorial Park, 2125 North Treat Avenue, Tucson AZ 85716, 520-327-3224
Recommended Readings
◦ http://pawstucson.com/clients/1634/documents/P AWSPetLossSupportGroup%20Meetings.pdf
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Every year 3,500 animal hoarders come to the attention of authorities. At least 250,000 animals are affected each year. Between 2 and 5 percent of the general population meets criteria for hoarding (both objects and animals). Eighty percent of animal hoarders have diseased, dying, or dead animals on the premises. Seventy percent of animal hoarders who come to the attention of authorities are females who are single, widowed, or divorced; although community-sampling studies find an equal ratio of males to females. Up to 40 percent of object hoarders also hoard animals. One hundred percent of hoarders relapse without treatment.
https://sites.google.com/site/arizonahoardingtaskforce/wh at-is-hoarding/animal-hoarding-neglect
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Hoarding will now be its own condition (no longer under OCD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5):
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http://www.marketplace.org/topics/economy/healthcare/cracking-codes-new-bible-mental-disorders
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To report animal hoarding, contact:
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Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona Anonymous Reporting Line:
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520.547.0260
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EMERGENCIES: Dial 911
for an immediate law enforcement response
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Rescue Organizations partnering with Pima Animal Care Center:
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http://www.pimaanimalcare.org/services/rescuegrps.asp
The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
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Object hoarding focus
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For a link to related Tucson social service resources, go to:
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◦ http:// www.tucsonhoardingteam.com/resources/
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The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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6th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health & Aging Conference Arizona Geriatrics Society GERIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Treating The Whole Person
The information in this document may not be reproduced or disclosed to unauthorized parties without the prior consent of the Arizona Geriatrics Society. 2013 Arizona Geriatrics Society All Rights Reserved
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