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

International Journal of Palliative Nursing
Anna SwallCarina Lundh Hagelin

Abstract

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. To describe the impact of therapy dogs on people with dementia in the final stages of life from the perspective of the dog handler. Interviews were conducted and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The dog provides comfort and relief through its presence and by responding to the physical and emotional expressions of the dying person. 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.

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